294-year-old Nildurga Puja continues in Krishnagar with reverence and tradition

294-year-old Nildurga Puja continues in Krishnagar with reverence and tradition

Biswabrata Goswami

KRISHNAGAR, 7 OCT: The Nildurga Puja, a centuries-old celebration with deep roots in tradition, has reached its 294th year, drawing devotees from far and wide. Originating in Bamrail village, Barisal district of present-day Bangladesh, the Chattopadhyay family relocated to Bengal in 1946, bringing with them their Kuldevata, Mother Nildurga. Since 1947, this revered puja has been held annually in Krishnagar, as narrated by one of the heads of the family, Mr. Chanchal Chattopadhyay.

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What sets this puja apart is the unique blue color of the idol, a striking deviation from the original purple hue. “Years ago, due to low light, the artisan mistakenly painted Mother blue instead of purple, as Aparajita. That night, Mother appeared in a family member’s dream and instructed that the color remain unchanged. Since then, our Mother has always been worshiped in blue,” explained Mr. Chattopadhyay, adding that the blue color of Durga is also referenced in the Markandeya Purana.

The Nildurga Puja follows the Shakta tradition, and the idol is flanked by Ganesha and Saraswati on the left and Lakshmi and Kartik on the right, a characteristic feature of this family’s worship. Over three days, an elaborate bhog, or offering, is prepared, including fish dishes made from hilsa, rui, and katla, alongside white rice, polao, and seasonal vegetable curries. Desserts such as pies and chutney accompany the meal, and after sunset, luchi and mohanbhog fried in gaoa ghee is offered to Mother. On the day of Mother’s departure, she is offered panta bhog (fermented rice) to symbolize her long journey to Kailash.

Once, this puja included the sacrifice of buffaloes, a tradition later replaced by goat sacrifices in Bengal from 1947. However, following a 2006 High Court order banning such practices, the puja now uses sugarcane, cucumber, rice, and pumpkins as symbolic offerings, especially during Sandhi Puja.

A poignant ritual occurs on Navami day when male family members stand with their backs to the idol, symbolically offering up their inner enemies—the six ripus (lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and jealousy). In this ritual, a figurative enemy, crafted from green leaves and rice balls wrapped in a red shawl, is ceremonially “sacrificed.”

The final day, Vijaya Dashami, sees a heartfelt farewell, as the daughters and daughters-in-law of the household bid adieu to the Mother in the waters of Jalangi, welcoming her return next year. A manglik ceremony follows, where flowers and sandalwood are offered in front of the idol of Ganesha. Afterward, the family gathers near the Mother’s image to offer their last prayers for the year.

The Nildurga Puja, rich in history, spirituality, and familial devotion, remains a testament to the enduring cultural traditions of Krishnagar’s Chattopadhyay family.

Tags: #Krishnagar #DurgaPuja #Nildurga #Chattopadhyay

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