What is meant by Kabirlarai in Bengal? Why were these organised?
In Bengali language, Kabi means poet and larai means contest. Thus, the word Kabirlarai means contest of the poets or poetry contests. These were a popular form of entertainment. These were usually patronised and encouraged by the rich people of Calcutta for entertainment. In Kabirlarai, two persons, who were lyricist and composer at the same time,answered each other in form of songs. It was also referred to as Kabigan.