West Bengal, India

West Bengal is a land of varied charms. Right from the Himalayas in the north to the beaches in the south, it is a wonderful journey over the vardant plains, hilly terrains, forests and the wonderful mangrove forests - the Sunderbans. It is also a wonder-filled journey through the rich cultural treasures of the state. Kolkata (Calcutta) is the capital of the state. Howrah, Asansol, Durgapur and Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kharagpur and Haldia are the other important cities.

Even though West Bengal is a small state in area wise it ranks as one of the largest in population. About 75 per cent of the population lives in the villages. Of the total population about 75 per cent are Hindus Muslims contributes to a major part of the rest.

West Bengal has produced some greatest personalities like Nobel prize-winning poet Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), whose contribution still dominates the Indian literary scene. Bengal also boasts of three other Nobel prize winners, Mother Teresa, Amartya Sen and Satyajit Ray.

Fish, rice and a plethora of sweets are Bengali specialities. Ace Bengali artisans work wonders with terracota horses, conch shells, clay models, leather, batik and wood work. Bengal handloom sarees with woven borders also have a universal appeal.

Durga Puja is the main festival in west Bengal. Diwali (festival of lights), Holi (Dol Jatra), Kali puja, Ganga Sagar Mela at Sagar (January/February), the Muslim festivals of Id and Ramzan, Baisakhi - Bengal's New Year's day, Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary, Christmas and New Year are the major celebrations.

West Bengal has famous Football clubs such as Mohan Bagan and East Bengal. Eden Gardens is one of the best cricket stadiums in the world. There is Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the biggest sports stadium in Asia. Apart from the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Calcutta, there are good stadiums at Durgapur, Kharagpur and Siliguri as well.