Contrary to what BJP wants us to believe, Lord Rama is not a popular deity in Bengali culture. Rama appeared in Bengal religious scene with the Bhakti movement led by Mahaprabhu Chaitanya, who worshipped Krishna and Rama as the supreme manifestations of god’s human avatar. 1

Hare Krishna chant includes Hare Ram, but celebrations are about Radha - Krishna. Rama the deity has not been part of Bengal’s socio-religious culture. Vaishnavite literature on Radha-Krishna love is very popular. But Chaitanya is more accepted as a human avatar of god. 2

Meghnad Badh kabya hails Ravana as a hero and looked down upon Rama. This is one of the most iconic literary creations of the Bengal Renaissance. It speaks of a view that is diametrically opposite to that highlighted by the saffron camp. 3

Bengali Ramayana by Krittibas Ojha is very popular. The epic is a popular theme in Bengali jatra and plays during the 18th and 19th centuries. But popular Hindu festivals are Durga Puja, Dol, Rath, Kali puja, Shivaratri, Saraswati Puja, Laxmi puja, Jagaddhatri puja and Jhulan. 4

Bibhishana, who betrayed Ravana and sided to Rama, is a hated character in Bengal and considered a traitor. The most popular reference to him is ‘ghorer shotru Bibhishan’ which roughly means the enemy at home. 5

The predominant Hindu tradition in Bengal is of Shaktism – the worship of the Devi in her various forms such as goddesses Durga, Annapoorna, Jagaddhatri, Manasa, Sitala and Santoshi. 6

Krittibasi Ramayana remains one of the most popular Bengali books. It is written in a style that appeals to the emotional psyche of the Bengali people. Ram is worshipped as a prince who faces hardship, great warrior, brave and great brother. 7

As for Akal Bodhon, Bengalis do not worship Durga Puja in Rama’s name: we pray to Durga only Durga. As @jawharsircar puts in beautifully, reports of 19th century British and Indian ethnographers talk about Rama Navami being celebrated in North India but no mention of Bengal. 8

And the Ramarajatala Rama Mandir of Howrah was set up by a North Indian family.
Information courtesy: Snigdhendu Bhattacharya, Jawahar Sirkar, Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri
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