The South-West Monsoon is called 'Purvaiya' (easterly) in the Bhojpur Region because the prevailing winds during the monsoon season blow from the east to the west. This is because the monsoon winds are deflected by the Himalayas and the Aravalli Hills, which force them to blow around the eastern edge of the Gangetic Plain.
The directional seasonal wind system has influenced the cultural ethos of the Bhojpur Region in a number of ways:
- Arts and crafts: The monsoon season inspires various forms of traditional art and crafts in the Bhojpur region, such as painting, pottery, and weaving.
- Architecture: Traditional Bhojpuri architecture is designed to withstand the heavy rains and winds brought by the monsoon.
- Agriculture and livelihoods: The monsoon is the lifeline of agriculture in the Bhojpur region, and its timely arrival and distribution are critical for crop cultivation and the livelihoods of the local population.
- Festivals and traditions: The arrival of the monsoon is celebrated with festivals and rituals, and the monsoon season marks the planting and sowing of crops, with various customs associated with these agricultural activities.
- Music and folklore: The monsoon season has inspired a rich tradition of folk songs and music in the Bhojpur region, which are an integral part of the region's cultural identity.
- Cuisine: The availability of fresh crops during and after the monsoon season significantly influences the local cuisine.
- Water management: Traditional water harvesting structures have been built to capture and store rainwater for agricultural and domestic use.
- Language and literature: The Bhojpuri language has numerous words and idioms related to the monsoon, and local literature often features monsoon-related themes.
- Community bonding: The dependency on the monsoon has fostered a sense of community and mutual support among farmers.
- Resilience and adaptation: The people of the Bhojpur region have developed a strong sense of resilience and adaptability to cope with both excess and deficient rainfall.
- Social and religious life: The monsoon season coincides with several important Hindu festivals, such as Teej and Navaratri. The rains are also considered to be auspicious for weddings and other celebrations.
Overall, the South-West Monsoon plays a vital role in shaping the cultural ethos of the Bhojpur region. It is a force of nature that is both celebrated and respected, and its impact can be seen in all aspects of the region's culture.