Charak Puja 2026 | Neel Pooja | Charak Puja in Bengal in Chaitra Month

Charak Puja or Neel Pooja, also known as Hajrha Puja, is observed in mainly in Bengal and Bangladesh on the last day of Bengali Chaitra month. Charak Pooja day is also popular as Chaitra Songkranti. Charak Puja 2026 date is April 13. Neel Puja is performed on April 12, 2026.

This puja is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees celebrate this festival to satisfy or please Lord Shiva in order to be blessed with happiness and prosperity.

A group of people from villages go to other villages to collect the necessary items like paddy, oil, sugar, salt, honey, money and other material with the arranged cosmetics like Shiva, Parvati, and Narod. The cosmetic Shiva is termed as ‘Neel Pagol or ‘Jal Katha. Devotees worship Lord Shiva throughout the night and distribute Prasod.

Next day to Charak Puja is celebrated as Poila Baisakh or Bengali New Year or Nabo Barsha in Bengal.

🔥 Main Rituals

1️⃣ Charak Tree / Pole Ritual

A tall wooden pole (called Charak Gachh) is erected. Devotees are tied with hooks pierced into their skin and swung around the pole as an act of extreme devotion and penance to Lord Shiva.

2️⃣ Fire Walking & Body Piercing

Devotees:

• Walk on burning coal

• Pierce cheeks or tongue with rods

• Perform difficult austerities

These acts symbolize:

• Sacrifice

• Devotion

• Fulfillment of vows

3️⃣ Gajan Processions

Colorful village processions with:

• Drums (Dhak)

• Folk dances

• Shiva-Parvati themed performances

🌾 Cultural Significance

• Marks the agricultural year-end

• Farmers pray for:

  • Good rainfall 🌧️

  • Fertile land 🌱

  • Prosperous harvest 🌾

• Blends Tantric, Shaivite, and folk traditions

⚠️ Modern Changes

In many areas, extreme body-piercing rituals are now:

• Restricted or regulated by authorities

• Symbolically performed for safety