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Bhagalpur's 400-Year Durga Puja Tradition Begins Early
4 Oct
Summary
- Bengalis in Bhagalpur celebrate an 18-day Durga Puja, starting a week early.
- The ancient tradition at Mahashaya Deorhi dates back over 400 years.
- Bodhon Ghat rituals invoke Goddess Durga, symbolizing her awakening.
In Bhagalpur, the 'City of Bhadralok,' traditional Bengalis are celebrating an extended 18-day Durga Puja. Festivities commenced a week early with Bodhon Ghat rituals, beginning on Sunday and concluding on October 20-21 with Bijoya Dashami. This time-honored practice at the Mahashaya Deorhi estate in Champanagar, which traces its origins back over 400 years, is also observed at other Bengali customary sites like Durga Bari and Kali Bari.
The ritual of 'Bodhan,' meaning awakening, signifies the invocation of Goddess Durga and the commencement of Puja. A procession, accompanied by traditional Bengali drums, moves from Mahashaya Deorhi to the Ganga river ghat. Holy water is collected in sacred kalash, placed under a bael tree, and then returned to the temple for puja and aarti.
This early awakening, known as 'Akal Bodhon,' is rooted in mythology. It is believed that during Dakshinayana, between mid-June and mid-December, deities rest. The Bodhon Ghat puja awakens Goddess Durga. Legend attributes the first 'Akal Bodhon' to Lord Ram before his victory over Ravana.
A unique ritual involves devotees catching cowrie shells hurled into the air. These shells are considered symbolic of Lord Dhan Kuber, believed to attract prosperity and ward off negative energies.
