In the greater Manbhum region (Purulia district in Bengal), the Chhata Parab is celebrated on the day of Bhadra Sankranti. This festival has been observed for nearly 500 years. Every year, on the last day of Bhadra, members of the Panchakot royal family open a grand white umbrella to mark the beginning of the celebration. Chhata Parab 2026 date in Bengal is on September 16
It is said that the umbrella belongs to Lord Indra, the king of Devas. A circular bamboo frame is fixed atop a pole made of shal wood and covered with cloth. The place where the umbrella is raised is called Chhatatar. On this day, the king arrives on horseback, dressed in royal attire. The priest worships Indra, after which the king raises the umbrella. It is lowered the next day.
Chhata Parab Story
According to local story, Lord Indra descends to earth on the Rohini star of the month of Jyaishtha (or Jyeshtha (June - July). On the full moon of Bhadra, he returns to heaven. Nine days later, on the eighth day of the waning moon, the umbrella is raised in his honor—hence the name Chhata Parab.
At its core, it is a harvest festival. "Chaklatore-r chhata re / mela dekhite lok chale katare katare" (To see the umbrella of Chaklatore, people come in long lines).
In Tamna of Purulia, at the field of the Chaklatore umbrella, the Chhata Parab is celebrated every year on the last day of Bhadra. A fair is held, and a representative of the present generation of the Chaklatore royal family raises the umbrella.
Some of the other important pujas observed on the day is the famous Ranna Puja. It is also called Buro Ranna or Buro Ranna Puja. There is a custom of cooking hilsa and prawns on this day. In addition, yam fritters, sour dishes, and taro-leaf curries are prepared. Soaked leftover rice is eaten with these curries and fish. Some call this ritual Atase Ranna or Dharate Ranna.