Holi festival in Murshidabad

 Holi of Murshidabad Shaharwali society was an important and renowned event. Shaharwali society used to play Holi with great enthusiasm in both Azimganj and Jiaganj.

Holi, the festival of color had been enjoyed for a week in Murshidabad. It had been starting on the day of Falguna Shukla Ashtami (Eighth day of bright half in Indian lunar calendar) ending on Chaitra Krishna Pratipada (Ekam, first day of dark half in Indian lunar calendar).

Holi was a part of "Raisi" of Shaharwali society. They used Safron, rose water, Tesu (Herbal color) and other beautiful colors and Abir (Gulal) to play Holi. Pichkari (Piston like instrument to play Holi with liquid color). Pua and Pakodi were the special dishes along with Thandai (a soft drink). large number of people used to have some "Bhang" to enjoy.

"Holi ki sang" and "Holi ka Bhandu" were popular humor creating events of Murshidabad Shaharwali community. People had been enjoying "Holi ki barat" with humor and enjoyment. "Holi ki sail" or feast was also very popular those days.

Nirmal Kumar Singh Nowlakha, a famous Zemindar of Azimganj was very fond of Holi. many stories about him is famous about Holi.

With regards,
Jyoti Kothari

(N.B. Jyoti Kothari is proprietor of Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry.
He is a Non-resident Azimganjite.)

Shaharwali and Johari Sath Part 1

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Shaharwali and Johari Sath are the oldest Rajasthani Jain communities migrated to Bengal. Connection and co-operation between these two oldest communities are obvious.



Few interesting features:



1. Shaharwali community is the oldest to come in Bengal and Johari Sath followed them.

however, Johari Sath had come to Kolkata first and Shaharwali community afterward.



2. Shaharwali community had influence over Nawabs of Murshidabad but Johari Sath had it

over Nawab of Avadh and British rulers.



3. Shaharwali community worked as Bankers and traders initially and then switched over to

Zemindari but Johari Sath were in Gems and Jewelry business only.



4. Shaharwali community is comprised of Oswal Jain clan but only one Shrimal family where

as Johari Sath is dominated by Shrimal clan of Jain.



5. Shaharwali community came directly from Rajasthan but Johari Sath people came mainly

via UP and Delhi.



6. Management of Sammet Shikhar Tirth always remained with Shaharwali community whereas that of Rajagriha remained with Johari Sath. Pawapuri is managed jointly by both

the communities. However, Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim contributed a lot to Sammet

Shikhar Tirth.

He built Parasnath Toonk on the top of the hills and played major role in buying Parasnath

hills on behalf of Shwetambar Jain community represented by Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi. He also influenced the then Viceroy and Governor General of British India in stopping order of

establishing a slaughter house in the sacred Jain Tirth.



7. Shaharwali society have always taken active part in politics but Johari Sath never. Shaharwali

community have many MP, MLA, MLCs and even Deputy Chief Minister of West Bengal but Johari Sath have none.



8. Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim of Johri Sath founded Bengal National Chamber of Commerce But he handed over it to Rai Dhanpat Singh Bahadoor Dugar of Shaharwali Community and he

adorned the chair.



9. Sayaji Conferences of Jain were organized by Maharaja Baroda. Many times Shaharwali community and Johari Sath had shared the key posts of Presidents and Secretaries of those conferences. Once, that I know, Rai Budh Singh Dudhoria of Bari Kothi, Azimganj was in the Chair and Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim was handling the matters as Secretary.



Marital relations between Shaharwali and Johari Sath

View Blog: Johari Sath



Jyoti Kothari

Vardhaman Gems



Continued..............