In the world of Raj Comics, while on one hand superheroes are busy saving the world with their indomitable courage and supernatural powers, on the other hand, there is also a character who won everyone’s hearts without any power — Bankelal.
Bankelal, on the basis of his cleverness, stupidity, and above all his tremendous misfortune, has become a name which still brings a smile to the faces of comics fans. The formula of each of his stories is almost the same — he makes a big plan to remove or kill his king Vikram Singh, but every plan backfires, and in the end, the king gets some good out of it.
Comics “Karva Chauth,” published in the year 1996 and written by writer Tarun Kumar Wahi and illustrated by artist Bedi, is a brilliant link in this series. This time in the story, Bankelal’s humor is seen in a new, domestic, and completely desi atmosphere. The story is woven around the famous festival of Indian culture ‘Karva Chauth,’ which was a very unique experiment in itself.
This is not just another comic but a great example of how an old formula can be combined with Indian festivals and rituals to create a fun and memorable story.
Unique combination of words and actions
The name of the comic “Karva Chauth” is itself a funny satire. On one hand, this festival, where the wife observes a fast for the long life of her husband; on the other hand, it is our Bankelal — who dreams of the death of the same husband, i.e., Raja Vikram Singh!
Writer Tarun Kumar Wahi has made this contradiction the backbone of the story.
The story begins with the festival ritual ‘Sargi.’ Queen Swarnalata is preparing for a fast for her “mote” husband Raja Vikram Singh (yes, she thinks these words lovingly, even if she says something else).
This is where the author has brought the characters alive in a very good way. Raja Vikram Singh, known for his simplicity and gluttony, starts feeding the queen in the name of showing love — thinking that if she remains hungry throughout the day, then fill her stomach right now.
This scene not only brings laughter but also creates a fun ground for Bankelal’s plans to come.
The author has very cleverly woven every aspect of Karva Chauth into the story.
For example, — Sargi’s time out becomes an opportunity for Bankelal. He wants the queen’s fast to be broken so that some trouble befalls the king.
Similarly, on the day of Karva Chauth, all the married employees of the palace go on leave, and the result is a vigorous political comedy — where Raja Vikram Singh himself has to pick up the broom and clean!
This sight becomes a greater cause of laughter for readers than Bankelal’s happiness.
Characterization: Stupidity, cunning, and new guests
“The biggest reason for the success of Karva Chauth” is its lively and fun characters.
Bankelal: The entire thread of the story is in his hands. His crooked wit, tricks, and brainy words (internal monologues) are what propel the story forward. At every opportunity, he finds a way to destroy Raja Vikram Singh. When the queen falls ill from overeating, Bankelal considers that a victory too!
In this comic, his character appears at his best — on one hand, he is trapped in the internal politics of the palace, and on the other hand, he also struggles with an unknown danger coming from the forest.
Maharaj Vikram Singh: Maharaj’s biggest strength is his weakness — his stupidity and innocence. He is such an ideal “prey,” who by his own actions makes Bankelal’s task easier (sometimes more difficult).
His treatment of his queen’s “new years” and later compulsion to sweep — these things have made him a memorable and lovable character.
Maharani Swarnalata: She is not just an audience in the story. On one side, there is a devoted wife who keeps a fast for the long life of her husband, and on the other side, there is a queen who also has her own self-respect. When Maharaj makes fun of her brothers, she rebukes him without hesitation.
Seven Saale (The Seven Brothers-in-Law): These are the surprise packages of this comic! When the story starts slowing down a bit inside the walls of the palace, these seven new characters enter — and the atmosphere becomes explosive again.
Their introduction itself is full of laughter. That funny letter from the queen’s father, Raja Chandan Singh, in which he talks about his old age and loneliness and then tells that he has married Bhanumati, a mother of seven children — this part is a wonderful example of the author’s imagination. That letter seems like a short comedy story in itself.
When these seven brothers-in-law come to the palace along with a donkey, the whole atmosphere turns upside down. Their actions add new life to the story and completely mess up Bankelal’s real plan.
Writing style and dialogue: Many shades of humor
Tarun Kumar Wahi’s writing is the life of this comic. He has kept the dialogues so fun and accurate that almost every panel has a great punchline.
Like the empress saying to her husband “Oh my fat…” or Yuvraj telling his father a long list of fruits that he force-fed him — these little things make every character alive and recognizable.
The pace of the story is also excellent. Wahi has easily linked the palace’s domestic comedy with the jungle’s fantasy adventure.
When the empress faints from hunger and Bankelal is sent to bring herbs from the forest, the story takes a new turn — which does not seem forced but becomes a natural part of the story.
In this comic, the famous formula of the Bankelal series “kar bad, ho bhala” is present with full force.
Every move of Bankelal ultimately turns into the good of Raja Vikram Singh.
The end of the story is a classic example of this formula — giving readers a taste of both laughter and satisfaction simultaneously.
Painting: Talking Pictures
Artist Bedi has captured the atmosphere of this comic perfectly. The 90’s Raj Comics identity style is in full swing here.
The facial expressions of each character are the strength of this story — Bankelal’s crooked smile, Vikram Singh’s confusion, Maharani’s anxiety, and the seven brothers-in-law’s mischievous looks — everything is so alive that you feel yourself in the same world.
Paneling (Panel Layout) is simple but effective. Especially when action scenes come — like the part in the forest or later the attack on the palace — there, Bedi has done wonders in maintaining speed and tension.
The design of the monster ‘Timeless’ looks quite scary and impressive for that time.
The balance between the pictures and the dialogues is great, so that the story never seems heavy or boring.
Conclusion: A Complete Family Entertainment
“Bankelal – Karva Chauth” is not just a comic but a package of fun full of laughter for the whole family.
It shows how Indian festivals and our culture can be woven into a story with light humor.
This comic brings out every feature of Bankelal’s character — his cunning, bad luck, and his fate of unknowingly becoming a hero.
Even today, this story seems as fresh and funny as it was at the time of its release.
If you are looking for clean humor and a great story without any darkness or violence, this comic is a perfect “must-read.”
This is one of the best stories in the Bankelal series, which proves that a good idea and perfect presentation can make a story truly timeless.
