Purulia Celebrates 'Aghon Sankrat' with Pitha-Puli & Dheki-Pounded Rice Flour

• 'Aghon Sankrat' is a traditional folk and agricultural festival celebrated in rural Bengal, especially Jangalmahal, on Aghran Sankranti.
• The festival involves preparing various Pitha-Puli from rice flour, traditionally pounded in a Dheki, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Historically, new paddy was brought home during this time, but modern farming practices mean paddy is harvested earlier.
• Despite changes in harvesting, the festival continues to be celebrated to preserve ancestral customs and honor Goddess Lakshmi.
• Villages in Purulia, like Chitidi in Arsha, immerse themselves in Pitha-Puli festivities even before Poush Parban.

Why It Matters: Purulia's 'Aghon Sankrat' preserves ancient traditions of Pitha-Puli and community celebration.