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Chapter 2 Dissertation

Alipurduar district, established on June 25, 2014, is the 20th district of West Bengal, India, comprising Alipurduar Municipality and six community development blocks with a predominantly rural population. The district is home to various ethnic tribes and features a diverse geography with significant rivers, tea gardens, and forests. The village of Meghnath Saha Nagar, named after a respected community leader, has a rich history and relies on groundwater sources for water, showcasing a range of local flora and fauna.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
28 views13 pages

Chapter 2 Dissertation

Alipurduar district, established on June 25, 2014, is the 20th district of West Bengal, India, comprising Alipurduar Municipality and six community development blocks with a predominantly rural population. The district is home to various ethnic tribes and features a diverse geography with significant rivers, tea gardens, and forests. The village of Meghnath Saha Nagar, named after a respected community leader, has a rich history and relies on groundwater sources for water, showcasing a range of local flora and fauna.

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Shreya Bag
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Chapter 2

The Area and the people

Alipurduar district has been carved out of from Jalpaiguri on 25 thJune 2014 as the 20th district in
the state of West Bengal India. It consists of Alipurduar Municipality and six community
development blocks Madarihat -Birpara, Alipurduar 1 , Alipurduar 2, Alipurduar 3, Falakata
Kalchini and Kumargram . There are 66 gram panchayats and nine census towns in six block .
The district has its headquarters at Alipurduar. It comprised mainly of rural population. More
than 80 percent of its local population belong to Sc/St community. It is the hame term of various
ethnic yribes like Rajbanshi, Radha, Match, Santhals , Madasia , Bodo , Toto. Oraons which
makes the place more labyrinths. Geographically Alipurduar is a land locked district boarded by
Jalpaiguri in the West Assam in the East Coochbihar in the South . In the north the direction
shares an international border line with Bhutan . The topography of the land is cut across by
rivers , streams and hills and covered with teagardens and forests . Major rivers that runs across the
Torsa, Raidak, Kaljani, Sankosh and Gradadhar.

Alipurduar derives it’s names from Colonel Hedayat Ali Khan who did admirable service here in
the Bhutan war and was stationed here as first Extra Assistant Commissioner after the 2 nd Anglo-
Bhutan War in 1865. Colonel Hedayat Ali khan was posted as the Commander at the military
settlement on the bank of the river Kaljani. The entire tract of land of the Buxa Dooar was leashed
out to Hedayat Ali on his superannuation and a town adjacent to the military settlement began to
grow as well. In course of time along with the expansion of the tea plantation and set up of railway
lines, Alipurduar began to be important in terms of communication and administration. The name
Alipurduar has three parts. The first part ‘Ali’ is derived from the name of Col. Hedayat Ali Khan
who lived here and fought the war with Bhutan. ‘Pur’ meaning residence and word ‘Duar’ has its
origin in the name of the region ‘Dooars’.

GEOGRAPHY
Total area – 3136 sq. Km.
Latitude and longitude 89'E- 89.9’N, 26.4’N- 26.83’N.
Average elevation- 93m (305 ft).
Major rivers – Torsa, Kaljani, Raidak, Jayanti and Sankosh (From west to east).
DEMOGRAPHY(2011 census)
Total population – 15,01,983
Total Male – 7,70,905
Total Female –7,31,078
Sex Ratio 948/1000
Population density 539/ sq. km
Percentage of literate person (total) – 64.7%
Percentage of male literate population – 36.23%
Percentage of female literate population – 28.47%

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
SUB division- 1 (Alipurduar)

Municipality- 2 (Alipurduar, Falakata)

Block- 6 (Madarihat, Falakata, Kalchini, Alipurduar-I, Alipurduar II, Kumargram).

Panchayat Samiti-6

Gram Panchayat- 66

Total number of Police Station-8

Total number of police outpost- 3

CLIMATE
Rainfall (cumulative)- 3160 (Average annual rainfall)

Temperature- 10’c – 3'c.

Relative humidity- 82%

SOCIO ECONOMIC
Language- Official- Bengal, English

Tribe- Boro, Toto, Medh, Santhal

Important establishment- Buxa tiger reserve, Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary, Divisional Head quarter
of North-East Frontier Railway.
VILLAGE DESCRIPTION

NAME OF THE VILLAGE

The name of the village is Meghanath Saha Nagar.

HISTORY OR SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VILLAGE NAME

The village itself has a history of 60-70 years. According to few village elders it was initially known
as “Egaro Ghar” it means eleven household scattered along the road from Hasimara to Toto para. At
that time there was a renowned and respected resident name “Meghnath Saha” formed a group of
individuals form the village and undertook various initiatives for the betterment of the community.
After his death the village was named as “ Meghnath Saha Nagar” in his memory.

There are some contradiction Regarding his name and identity. Some villagers are belief that he was
a renowned social worker As well as a freedom fighter. And some other villagers told us he was
told us he was a doctor and his name was “Meghnath Saha Bhowmik”. According to them he made
significant contribution to the health care system and the wellbeing of the villagers. Whoever he
was his presence and influence left an incredible mark leading to the village and adopting his name
as a symbol of respect and remembrance.

LOCATION OF THE VILLAGE

One of the renowned railway station of Alipurduar is ‘Hasimara Railway Station’ from where the
village Meghnath Saha Nagar is situated about 10 km. In south-west direction. There is another
railway station name ‘Madarihat Railway Station’ which is located about 3 km of the village in
same direction.

ADMINISTRATIVE LOCATION

Name of the village – MEGNATH SAHA NAGAR

Panchayat – MADARIHAT GRAM PANCHAYAT

Subdivision – ALIPURDUAR

Post office – MADARIHAT POST OFFICE

Block – MADARIHAT BIRPARA

Police Station – MADARIHAT POLICE STATION

Pin code – 735220

District – ALIPURDUAR

State – WEST BENGAL

Distance from the village Madarihat and Alipurduar District – 50 km


BOUNDARY OF THE VILLAGE

Meghnath Saha Nagar, located in Madarihat Gram Panchayat, is defined by its boundary that
encompasses various neighboring areas. To the north of Meghnath Saha Nagar is Madhyakhair
Bari, a nearby settlement that contributes to the local community. The eastern boundary of the
village is marked by the expansive Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Subhas Nagar. National
Highway NH317 runs along the eastern boundary. Uttar Chhekamari, situated to the west of
Meghnath Saha Nagar, is another neighbouring area. Lastly, the southern boundary is formed by
Pradhan Nagar and Rabindra Nagar. The village is divided by the Toto Para Road and our Camp
“Tourist Nest Resort” is situated almost in the centre of the village on the left hand side of this road
towards Toto Para.

TOPOGRAPHY

Land and Soil Type : The Meghnath Saha Nagar region mainly belongs to Dooars region of
Alipurduar district hence the land of the region is of sloping nature, which is mainly suitable for tea
cultivation. The roads in this region are mainly rocky in nature. Sandy and Doash soils are observed
here, which are suitable for cultivation.

CLIMATE

Village experiences a moderate climate characterized by accumulative rainfall of approximately


3160 mm per year. The village receives a considerable amount of precipitation throughout the year.
The temperature in Madarihat ranges from 10 to 32 degrees Celsius, providing a pleasant and
relatively mild climate. With a relative humidity of around 82%, the village enjoys a humid
atmosphere, which is conducive to the growth of diverse flora and fauna.

SOURCE OF WATER

The village relies on various sources of water for different purposes. The primary source of water
for daily chores, including bathing and washing utensils and clothes, is the tube well. Additionally,
there is the utilization of wells (kuas) specifically for washing utensils and clothes, but not for
drinking purposes. These wells are generally used for non-potable water needs. It's important to
note that the water provided by the panchayat is not available, so the villagers rely on groundwater
sources. For drinking water, the villagers mainly use tube wells, motor pumps, hand pumps, and
groundwater sources. They access the underground water or bore water by digging up to a depth of
12 feet. However, drinking water is typically obtained at a slightly deeper level, around 20 to 25
feet. This suggests that the villagers dig deeper to access safe drinking water. Motor pumps are also
utilized to extract water from bore wells for daily chores. For irrigation purposes, the villagers rely
on mainly rain water as well as well water and bore water with the help of motor pumps. Wells are
used to access water for irrigation, while motor pumps aid in drawing water from bore wells for
agricultural needs.

FLORA AND FAUNA – names with scientific and local names:

FLORA
SL. NO. COMMON NAME LOCAL NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
1 Rose Golap Rosa rubiginosa
2 Jimsonweed Dhutra Datura stramonium
3 Frangipani Kath Golap Plumeriarubra
4 Butterfly pea Nilkantha Clitoriaternatea
5 Hibiscus Jaba Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
6 Cabbage Bandhakopi Brassica oleracea
7 Coriander Dhonepata Coriandrumsativum
8 Bay leaves TejPata Laurusnobilis
9 Shetodron Dandakalas Leucasaspera
10 Fern Jangal Pteridopsida sp.
11 Jack fruit Kanthal Artocarpusheterophyllus
12 Pointed Gourd Potol Trichosanthesdioica
13 Balsam Dopati Impatiens balsamina
14 Striped Barbados Lily GhantaPhul Hippeastrum striatum
15 Holy basil Tulsi Ocimumtenuiflorum
16 Pinwheel flower Tagar, Baromasi Tabernaemontanadivaricata
17 Periwinkle Nayantara, Baromasi Catharanthusroseus
18 Curry leaves Kari Pata Murrayakoenigii
19 Squash Ishkush Cucurbita sp.
20 Custard apple Nona Ata Annona reticulata
21 Sal Tree Shal / Toporr Shorearobusta
22 Betel nut Supari Areca catechu
23 Betel leaf Paan Piper betle
24 Black pepper Golmorich Piper nigrum
25 Hill Glory Bower GhentuPhul, Clerodendruminfortunatum
GhantuPhul
26 Fresh Pomelo Jambura, BatabiLebu Citrus maxima.
27 Mugwort Bheem Patti Artemisia vulgaris
28 Corn Bhutta Zea mays
29 Paddy Dhan Oryzasativa
30 Indian Jujube Kul, Boroi Ziziphusmauritiana
31 Red Silk-cotton Shimul Bombaxceiba
32 Levant Cotton Plant Karpas Gossypiumherbaceum Linn.
33 Rose of Sharon Golapijaba Hibiscus syriacus
34 Inch plant Inch plant Tradescantiazebrina
35 False shamrock ProjapotiGajh Oxalic triangularis
36 West Indian Lantana Lantana Lantana camera
37 Burmese Grape BubuGajh Baccaureamotleyana
38 Barberton daisy Gerbera Gerbera sp.
39 Burro’s-tail Donkey’s tail Sedum morganianum
40 Blaze of fire Salvia ful Salvia splendens
41 French hydrangea Ratanraji Hydrangea macrophylla
42 Teak Teak Tecktonagrandis
43 Dahlia Dalia Dahlia pinnata
44 Bougainvillea KagojPhul Bougainvillea glabra
45 Indian shot Kola Phul Canna indica
46 Buckwheat Kuttu Fagopyrumesculentum
47 Moringa Sojne Morning oleifera
48 Striped Barbados lily Belladonna lily Hippeastrum striatum
49 Gynuracrepidioides Burorchul Crassocephalumcrepidioides
50 Smooth Crotalaria Jhunjhuni Crotalaria pallida
51 Neem Neem Azadirachtaindica
52 Tomato Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
53 Papaya Penpe, Mewa Carica papaya
54 Banana Kola Musa sp.
55 Tea Cha Camellia sinensis
56 Bamboo Bansh Babusa vulgaris
57 Cowpea, Yard Long Bean Borboti, Bori, Botboti Vignasinensis
58 Moses-in-the-cradle Boat Lily Tradescantiaspathacea
59 Teasle Gourd Karkul, Kantola Momordicadioica
60 Periwinkle Nayantara Vinca sp.
61 Creeping Wood Sorrel Amrul Oxalis corniculata
62 Indian Medaller Bakul MimusopsElengilinn
63 Eugenia Jamrul Syzygiumjambolanum
64 Ripe Dehiscent Fruit Jangle togor Tabernaemontanadivaricata
65 Gran Paradiso Lily Liliumasiatica
66 Succulent Kalancha Adromischushemisphaericus
67 Pumpkin MishtiKumra, Phorshi Cucurbita moschata
68 Rangoon Creeper Madhabilata Quisqualisindica
69 Ginger Ada Zingiberofficinale
70 Garlic Rasun Allium sativum
71 Turmeric Halud Curcuma longa
72 Cucumber Shasha, Kheera Cucumissativus
73 Fig Anjeer Ficuscarica
74 Coleus Kolias, Coleus Coleousscutellarioides
75 Leaf of Life Patharkuchi Kalanchoepinnata
76 Sweet Flag Boch Acoruscalamus
77 Green Chiretta Bhuin Neem Andrographispaniculata
78 Ladyfinger Bhindi Abelmoschusesculentus
79 Snake Gourd Chichinda Trichosanthescucumerina
80 Malabar Nut Basak Justiciaadhatoda
81 Sweet Potato Thandaaaloo Ipomoea batatas
82 Bitter Gourd Osta Mamordicacharantia
83 Marigold Shayapatri Tageteserecta
84 Bhati Leaves Bhatipata Tinosphoracordifolia
85 Utrasum Bean Tree Rudraksha Elaeocarpusangustifolius

FAUNA
SL. NO. COMMON NAME LOCAL NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
1 Cow Goru Bostaurus
2 Goat Chhagol Capra hircus
3 Cat Biral Feliscatus
4 Dog Kukur Canis lupus familiaris
5 Buffalo Shanr Bubalusbubalis
6 Calf Bachhur Bosindicus
7 Duck Hans Anaspoecilorhyncha
8 Cock/Rooster Murga Gallus gallusdomesticus.
9 White caterpillar Shuopoka Spilosomavirginica
10 Rabbit Khargosh Oryctolaguscuniculus
11 Sparrow Charai Passer domesticus
12 Parrot Tiya Psittaculakrameri
13 Dove Ghughu, Parewa Spilopeliachinensis
14 Chameleon Girgiti Chamaeleozeylanicus
15 Wagtail Doyel Copsychussaularis
16 Pigeon Kabutar Pisumsativum
17 Elephant Hati, babu Elephas maximus indicus
18 Pig Sukar Sus scrofacristatus
19 Deer Harin Axis axis
20 Squirrel Kathbirali Funambuluspalmarum
21 Crow Kak Corvussplendens
22 Ant Pipre Lasiusniger
23 Butterfly Projapoti Rhopalocera sp.
24 Martin Shalik Hirundinidae sp.
25 Peacock Mayur Pavocristatus
26 Python snake Ajagar P. bivittatus
27 Indian Cuckoo BouKotha Kou Cuculusmicropterus
28 Bat Badur Cynopterus sphinx
29 Crane Sharosh Grus antigone

MODES OF COMMUNICATION

TRANSPORT

The people of the village generally use Bikes, Scooters, Cycles, Totos, etc. to roam into the village
or visit nearby villages and Buses, Jeeps and Four-wheelers to travel outside the village.

MAIN ROAD

The main road of the village is Totopara Road which is connected with NH317 for national
communication.

ROAD AND PATHS

Most of the village roads covered by concrete. There are two metalled roads which are Toto Para
Main Road and another is going towards Chhekamari. Besides these there are also many paths made
by clay and gravels.

RAILWAY COMMUNICATION
For inter-district or inter-state communication there are two Railway Stations namely, Hasimara
Railway Station and Madarihat Railway Station.

POSTAL COMMUNICATION

Nearest Post Office is Madarihat Post Office.

OTHER MODES OF COMMUNICATION

To get the national as well as local news the villagers depend on the renowned newspapers namely,
“AnandaBazarPatrika”, “Songbaad Protidin”, “Bortomaan”, “Uttar Banga Songbaad” etc.

Besides these they used to connect with outside through internet facilities by mobile phone, radio,
television etc.

HAMLET

There are no Hamlets in the village. People of different communities live here together in harmony.

SETTLEMENT PATTERN

HOUSE TYPE

Various house types can be found here; like – Pucca house, Kachcha house, Concrete house, etc.
Some of the houses have brick walls with tin roofs. The Kachcha houses have mud or tin walls with
‘Khar’ (straw), ‘Tali’ (brick tiles) and Tin roofs.

SANITATION

In terms of sanitation, the majority of houses in the village have separate bathrooms and toilets
located outside their living spaces. These facilities are fixed or paved structures. When it comes to
maintaining cleanliness, a person is called to clean the toilets. The waste from the toilets is typically
disposed of by dumping it into a hole in their own field, which is located a short distance away.
After dumping the waste, it is covered with soil.

In addition to the toilets, the water from the bathroom and the water used for washing clothes in the
village are drained into the ground through a drainage system. This means that the wastewater flows
into the agricultural lands situated behind the houses.

Furthermore, there is mention of some houses having septic tanks for their toilets. These septic
tanks provide a more organized and controlled system for waste disposal.

PUBLIC PLACES

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

In Meghnath Saha Nagar there are two primary schools. One is a government school and the other
is a private school. The govt. School is named Madarihat Shishushiksha Kendra and the private
school is named Happy child school. Also there is a ICDS centre in Meghnath Saha Nagar. There is
no higher secondary school or colleges available in this studied area. So, the villagers send their
children to the below mentioned schools, colleges, and universities outside of the village.
Schools and Educational Institutions:

 Happy Child School in Meghnath Saha Nagar


 Madarihat High School
 Early Learning School
 St. Francis School in Pradhan Nagar
 Madarihat Susanghata Shishu Bikash Seva Kendra (ICDS School)
 Laxmi Prasad Deokota Nepali High School (Purba Khairbari, Madhya Madarihat)
 Madarihat High School (National Highway, 31C, Uttar Madarihat)
 Madarihat Girls' High School (Madhya Madarihat)

Colleges:

 Falakata College (College Para, Bhutnirghat, Falakata)


 Birpara College (College Para, Birpara)
 Vivekananda College (Birpara, Alipurduar)

Universities :

 Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University (63 km)


 University of North Bengal (133 km)

CLUBS

In Meghnath Saha Nagar and Pradhan Nagar, there is a club called Nabin Sangha Club. This club,
established in the year 1969, is the only club in the village. It is located near Shivalaya Guest House
and is registered. However, it does not provide any specific services for the welfare of the village.
Nabin Sangha Club serves as a social gathering place for the residents, fostering community
engagement and interaction among the members.

RELIGIOUS PLACES

In Meghnath Saha Nagar, there are several religious places that hold significance for the residents.
One such place is the Mahakal Mandir, which is a revered temple in the village. Additionally, there
are other temples like Pashupati Mandir, Kali Mandir, Falakata Kali temple, Mashan temple (Shib
thakur), and Manasa temple, where people gather to worship and seek blessings from the deities.
These religious places serve as important centres of faith and spirituality for the community.

CREMATION GROUND

Madarihat has a designated cremation ground called Madarihat Moha shoshan. Additionally, the
village has its own cremation area near the Torsha River, and the Muslim community has a separate
area for cremation. The main cremation ground is known as 'Maa Kali ShamshanGhat' in the Thana
Colony Subhash Pally area. Cremation is also performed in the deceased person's own land if they
have expressed their wish for it earlier. This allows for a personalized and meaningful farewell
according to their desires.

SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY

The primary source of electricity in the village is the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution
Company Limited (WBSEDCL). This company supplies electricity to the village and ensures a
reliable source of power for the residents. In addition to WBSEDCL, some villagers also utilize
solar power as an alternative source of electricity.

There are specific instances mentioned where solar power is utilized. One example is the
installation of solar lamp posts along the roads. These solar lamp posts are funded by the central
government through the Fifteen Finance Commission. This initiative aims to provide sustainable
lighting solutions using solar energy.
In summary, the two main sources of electricity in the village are the West Bengal State Electricity
Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) and solar power. The WBSEDCL is responsible for
supplying electricity to the village, while solar power is utilized in specific cases, such as solar lamp
posts along the roads.

MEDICAL FACILITY

 Madarihat Gram Panchayat Health Centre: Provides first aid, care for pregnant mothers and
babies, immunization vaccines, and free medicines. Conducts awareness camps on diseases
like dengue and malaria. ASHA workers provide 24-hour service for emergency situations.
Serious medical emergencies are referred to Madarihat Hospital or District Hospital.
 Nearest Government Hospital: Madarihat Rural Hospital.
 Health Centre (ICDS): Offers medical facilities.
 Traditional Medicine: Shamanism, folk medicine.
 No Homeopathy/Ayurvedic/Allopathic doctors in the village. Villagers have to go to
Madarihat Health Centre. Private hospitals in Birpara are recommended if needed.

MARKETS

Main market of the studied village is the Madarihat local market. In addition to the Madarihat local
market, there are also four other markets that villagers frequently visit. These markets include
Hasimara Bazar, Jamtola Bazar, Subhashini Bazar, and Totopara Bazar. Hasimara Bazar, located
approximately 10 kilometers away, is a wholesale market. Jamtola Bazar is around 3 kilometers
away, Subhashini Bazar is around 13 kilometers away, and Totopara Bazar is approximately 22
kilometers away.
Both Hasimara Market and Madarihat Market stay open throughout the week. However, on
Sundays, there is a special weekly market organized in both Hasimara and Madarihat. These weekly
markets offer a wide variety of household essentials.
Apart from these markets, there are two specific markets mentioned in the information provided.
Krishi Mandi is a market that is reachable within a 15-20 minute walk. It is arranged every day,
indicating that it is a regular market where villagers can purchase their daily necessities.

OCCUPATION

 PRIMARY OCCUPATION
The primary occupation of the residents in Meghnath Saha Nagar is agriculture, with
cultivation of rice, corn, betel nuts, and various vegetables like tomatoes and pumpkins.
Additionally, the village has a diverse range of livelihoods, including professions such as
teachers, government and private job holders, business owners, masons, carpenters, cake
bakers, civic police, etc.

 SECONDARY OCCUPATION
Some villagers also secondarily earn their livelihoods which include tuition, animal
husbandry, tailoring, plumbing, etc.

COMMUNITY

In this village we found mainly four type of religious communities. These are “Hindus”,
“Muslims”, “Christians”, “Buddhists”. Most of the inhabitants belong to the Hindu community.
And the Hindu community consists of three native language speaking groups - Bengalis, Nepalis,
and Biharis. Apart from these categories there is also tribal population named ‘Oraons’.

LANGUAGE

Villagers mainly speak in ‘Bengali’, ‘Nepali’, ‘Hindi’ and the Oraons speak ‘Kurukh’ language to
communicate within the group and with outsiders they use ‘Bengali’ and ‘Hindi’ also.

DIET

FOODS

Meghnath Saha Nagar is a diverse village inhabited by Bengali, Nepali, Muslim, and Buddhist
communities, each with their own culinary traditions. The villagers enjoy a variety of dishes,
including rice, dal, bread, fish curry, vegetables, tea, and milk. Nepali cuisine features special
delicacies like ‘Gilo Roti’' or ‘Gila Roti’ and ‘Ghicha Roti’ or ‘Sel Roti’ that are served during
festive occasions. The locals also have their traditional food items such as ‘Panta Bhat'’ and ‘Mar
Bhat’. Some of the Oraons and Nepalis have pork meat. Most of the Brahmin Nepalis are mainly
vegetarian. Villagers also have these items like tea, coffee, momo, singara, chowmin, roll, chop,
muri etc. Visitors can also indulge in popular items like tea, bread, Sel roti, rice, fruits, corn, and
betel nut.

DRINKS

The inhabitants of this area take one kind of liquid called as ‘Handia’ made from sun fermented
rice. Both males and females drink this liquid. Few of them make ‘Handia’ at their house.

Smoking ‘Bidi’ and ‘Cigarette’ is also common among the inhabitants of the studied area. And
some of them have ‘betel leaf’ or ‘betel nut’ as mouth refreshner.

DRESS AND ORNAMENTS


In our studied area, the Nepali community showcases their vibrant cultural attire and traditional
ornaments. The Nepali men wear the traditional dress called ‘Daura Suruwal’ where ‘Daura’ is a
variant of ‘Kurta’ which is the upper part and the ‘Suruwal’ is the ‘Trouser’ and both the part is
made up of the same fabric material. The men also wear the iconic ‘Dhaka Topi’ as cap and keep a
‘Khukri’ or ‘Kurkri’ (traditional weapon) on waist belts as they prefer to wear ‘Patuka’ or ‘Sash’ (a
long cloth that goes around their waist circling it twice or thrice). The Nepali women adorn
themselves in the elegant ‘Chaubandi Cholo’ or ‘Gunyo Cholo’, a traditional dress pattern where
the upper part is the blouse like pattern with double breasted fastened with cloth ropes. It is often
worn with a ‘saree’ like wrapped skirt which is mainly bottom portion.
The Bengali men wear ‘Shirt’, ‘Dhoti’ and ‘Lungi’. But they use ‘Shirt- Pant’ occasionally. Women
wear ‘Saree’ and ‘Blouse’ and sometimes ‘Salwar- Suits’. The female children in the village
normally wear ‘frocks’, ‘skirt’ and ‘Salwar Suit’ and ‘maxi’ and the male children wear ‘Shirt’ or
‘T-Shirt’, and ‘Half Pants’.
In winter season they use the ‘Cotton’ or ‘Woolen’ wrapper (locally called ‘Chador’), ‘Sweaters’
and ‘Jackets’, etc.
The Nepali married women wear some special ornaments like ‘PoteTilhari’ or ‘Jantar Pote’ or
‘Poute’- varieties of necklace which is made with colorful plastic beads tied with the help of thread
and a gold pendant.
Women of the village posses few ornaments like ‘Chudas’ (bangles), ‘Nose Pin’, ‘Ear-Rings’,
‘Chain’, ‘Anklet’ which are made up of silver as they are very poor, but some uses gold for their
ornaments. All the married women wear ‘Sindur’(vermilion) in their hairline and both the Nepali
and Bengali married women has to wear a pair of ‘Shankha-Pola’ (Shankha is white bangle made of
conch shell and Pola is a red coral bangle) of each in both the hands.
The aged people of the village decor their body parts with various motifs by tattooing.

ENTERTAINMENT

In the village of Madarihat, there are various modes of entertainment that engage the local residents.
The children of the village play football, cricket, badminton, etc. in their leisure time. Some boys
also play carom with their peer group and elders of the village spend their free time by playing
‘tash’ (local term of cards), ludo, etc. Additionally, watching TV and listening to the radio provide
both entertainment and knowledge during the leisure hours.

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