Mamata Banerjee Announces Govt Holidays For Karam Puja, Shab-e-Barat In Bengal

The Mamata Banerjee government has asked madrassas in Bengal to voluntarily register themselves to avail benefits of government schemes.

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Source : PTI

The Bengal government has announced a holiday on Shab-e-Barat and Karam Puja observed by tribals. While declaring the holiday, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said: "We give equal importance to all festivals...Instead of a sectional holiday on Shab e-Barat and Karam Puja, we will give Government Holiday." The Bengal government gives the maximum number of government holidays in the whole country.

The Mamata Banerjee government has decided that a survey will be done, on the basis of which all the madrassas in the state that want to register with the government can do so. According to the government, Muslim children will be able to benefit from many facilities further jobs and studies. This is a voluntary registration scheme, the government mentioned.

Last year, the Assam government made it mandatory for madrassas to register themselves with the administration. The Uttarakhand government also made a similar announcement in 2022.

The Yogi Adityanath government made registration of madrassas in Uttar Pradesh mandatory way back in 2017. In 2022, the government stopped funding scholarships for madrassa students up to Class 8. Last month the UP government began a crackdown on unregistered madrassas receiving foreign funds.

What Is Shab e Barat?

Shab-e-Barat, also known as Laylat al-Barat, is an important night observed in Islamic tradition. It falls on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Sha'ban, which is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The name "Shab-e-Barat" translates to "Night of Records" or "Night of Forgiveness."

On this night, many Muslims believe that Allah (God) decides the fate of individuals for the upcoming year. It is believed that the deeds of people are presented to Allah, and He may forgive their sins and grant them blessings and mercy. Muslims often engage in prayers, recitation of the Quran, and supplications seeking forgiveness and blessings during this night.

Different Muslim communities around the world have various ways of observing Shab-e-Barat. This can include visiting mosques for special prayers, reciting Quranic verses, engaging in acts of worship, and seeking forgiveness for past wrongdoings. Some cultures also use this occasion to visit the graves of deceased loved ones and offer prayers for them.

It's important to note that the observance of Shab-e-Barat can vary based on cultural and regional practices within the diverse Muslim community.

What Is Karam Puja?

Karam Puja, also known as Karma Puja, is a significant tribal festival observed by various indigenous communities in the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and some other parts of India. This festival is primarily celebrated by tribal groups like the Oraon, Munda, Ho, and Binjhwari communities.

Karam Puja typically takes place during the autumn season, around the months of August to September, depending on the lunar calendar. It is a way for the tribal communities to express gratitude to the deity of Karma, who is believed to be the god of fate and destiny, as well as the protector of crops and forests.