Why is the South-West Monsoon called Purvaiya’ (easterly) in the Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?

Introduction

The South-West Monsoon (दक्षिण-पश्चिम मानसून), which is typically called “Purvaiya” (meaning easterly) in the Bhojpur region of India, is known by this name due to the direction from which it arrives in the region. The term “Purvaiya” suggests that the wind comes from the east (or eastward).

Why it is called “Purvaiya”:

• The SW monsoon breaks by the tip of the Indian peninsula leading to one branch going towards the Bay of Bengal and turning towards the NW side due to the topography of the region (क्षेत्र की स्थलाकृति). Since it comes from the eastern side for a person lying in the Bhojpur region, it seems to be Purvaiya (Easterly wind).
• The Purvaiya winds blow from east to west across the Bay of Bengal, carrying with them the warm and moisture-laden air from the bay.
• Because of the topography of the North East India and the Arakan Mountains of Myanmar, such winds get the orographic lift and then are forced to ascend thus causing rainfall.
• The stream of the Bay of Bengal branch moves along the Himalayan foothills (हिमालय की तलहटी) as they are deflected to the west by the Himalaya and brings widespread rainfall to the Ganga plain.

The influence of the “Purvaiya” on the cultural ethos (सांस्कृतिक लोकाचार) of the Bhojpur region can be seen in several ways:

• Agricultural prosperity
• Traditions and folklore (परंपराएँ और लोककथाएँ): region strongly tied with festivals related to monsoon, rain deities are worshiped. Eg. Teej festival
• Cuisine and food
• Dance and music (Bhojpuri songs have references of purvaiya songs)
• Cultural ethos (can link with Sawan ka mahina type songs)
• Attire of people (लोगों का परिधान): people often wear light and breathable fabrics that offer protection from excess humidity. (Green clothes worn by people of some regions to show “Hariyali”)
• Old people can guess and access by atmospheric humidity that rain is about to come and plan their irrigation accordingly.

Conclusion

• It is not only a meteorological phenomenon (मौसम संबंधी परिघटना) but also a cultural and social force that has shaped the way of life in the region.
• It influences agriculture (कृषि), festivals (त्योहार), rituals (अनुष्ठान), folklore (लोकगीत), cuisine (व्यंजन), and even the architecture and clothing of the people, making it an integral part of the cultural ethos of Bhojpur.
• It weaves the story of life’s cyclical journey (जीवन की चक्रीय यात्रा), reminding us all of the deep interdependence between humanity and the environment.