The Partition of Bengal was the decision of separating eastern parts of Bengal from rest of Bengal. It was announced on 19 July 1905 by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon and on October 16, 1905, the partition formally came into force. It was observed as day of mourning throughout Bengal. People fasted, bathed in the Ganga and walked barefoot in processions singing Bande Mataram. People tied rakhis on each other’s hands as a symbol of unity of the two halves of Bengal.