Bhadu Parav

Commencing on the first day of Bhadro, the fifth month in the Bengali calendar, the festivity extends until the conclusion of the month. The narrative of Princess Bhadu lies at the core of the Bhadu festivity. Allegedly found as an orphan by the local leader of Lada, Bhadu is believed to embody the goddess Lakshmi in human form. She is taken in by the chief, who raises her in secret as a princess. Bhadu falls in love with Anjan, the son of a doctor from a neighboring village. The king has Anjan imprisoned due to his disapproval of their relationship. Bhadu, along with her two companions, then travels across the kingdom, singing at the gates of forts and castles in the hope that Anjan will hear her voice. Eventually, the king releases Anjan, but by then Bhadu has vanished, rumored to have dissolved into the sky. The legend of Princess Bhadravati (Bhadresvari) from Panchakote, who mysteriously disappeared, serves as the origin of this tradition. Throughout the month, Bhadravati's devotees create an image of her and perform songs and dances in front of it. On the last day of Bhadra, they gather by the river and immerse the image. The festival's highlight is its songs, predominantly revolving around marriage. Both professional groups and amateur artists take part. Cultural activities and markets are integral components of the festivities.