Changing Dynamics of Village Festivals in Birbhum: A Focus on Monosha Puja

This study explores the evolving dynamics of village festivals in Birbhum, West Bengal, with a specific focus on Monosha Puja, a traditional worship of the snake goddess Monosha. Once deeply rooted in agrarian practices and local folklore, Monosha Puja served not only as a religious observance but also as a communal celebration, reinforcing social bonds. However, recent decades have witnessed significant transformations in the way this festival is perceived and performed. Through ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and archival analysis, this paper examines the cultural shifts brought about by urbanization, migration, changing religious practices, and the influence of digital media. The research highlights how traditional rituals are being reinterpreted, often with reduced community involvement and increased commercialization. The role of women, who were once central to the rituals, is also being reshaped amid broader social changes. Moreover, the incorporation of modern elements such as sound systems, LED lighting, and sponsorships has altered the aesthetic and spiritual experience of the puja. Despite these changes, Monosha Puja remains a significant marker of local identity and resistance against cultural homogenization. The study underscores the tension between continuity and change, tradition and modernity, and the role of local agencies in shaping these dynamics. This research contributes to the broader discourse on the sustainability of indigenous cultural practices in a rapidly modernizing society.