Among the numerous customs and folk festivals of Bengal, one of the most significant is Ranna Puja or Arandhan. It is a special rural folk tradition of Bengal, observed during the month of Bhadra (August–September). On this day, the household deity—especially Goddess Annapurna or Goddess Manasa or household deity—is offered a variety of cooked foods as offerings (bhog). It is observed on the final day of Bhadra and first day of Aashain (Ashwin) month. Ranna Puja or Arandhan In Bengal in 2026 is on September 16.
It is believed that by performing this ritual, prosperity in
food and peace are maintained in the household. The festival represents a
unique blend of folk beliefs, rituals, goddess worship, and social gathering.
The word “Arandhan” literally means “not cooking.” That is,
no new cooking is done on this day. The main rule of the festival is to eat
food that was prepared the previous day. From the custom of “cooking in Bhadra
and eating in Ashwin,” the name Arandhan originates.
There are several religious, social, and seasonal reasons
behind Ranna Puja
Ranna Puja is usually observed in the month of Bhadra (during Bhadra Sankranti
or Ranna Puja). During this time, new rice and crops appear in the fields, and
after the monsoon, farmers begin to feel relief. Hence, Ranna Puja is primarily
a thanksgiving ritual to nature and the new harvest.
During this puja, it is customary to worship Goddess Annapurna, Goddess Manasa,
or the household deity. It is believed that offering food to the goddess
removes scarcity from the home and brings peace and prosperity to the family.
Various dishes are prepared for Ranna Puja, and everyone shares and eats
together. As a result, a spirit of community and togetherness is created in
villages and neighborhoods.
The festival reflects the understanding that human life depends on nature’s
gifts—grain, crops, water, and soil—and expresses gratitude for them.
Ranna Puja or Arandhan In Magh Month
Arandhan is not celebrated only in Bhadra; it is observed twice a year — Once in Bhadra Sankranti, on the day of Manasa Puja, and Again in Magh month, on the day following Saraswati Puja, known as Sheetal Shashti (or Shilonora Puja day).
On both occasions, lighting the stove is forbidden, and food
prepared the previous day is eaten.
In many regions, Arandhan is considered an inseparable part
of Manasa Puja. On Bhadra Sankranti, the night before Vishwakarma Puja, the
festival is celebrated with special fervor. On this day, the kitchen is
cleaned, and the Manasa ghot (sacred pot) is decorated with branches of the Phanimansa
or Shaluk plant, after which the goddess is worshiped following traditional
rituals.
Thus, Ranna Puja is at once an act of goddess worship, an expression of gratitude to nature, and a celebration of social harmony.