Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 8 OCT: The Hazra family’s annual Durga Puja, an event steeped in rich history and tradition, continues to be a symbol of cultural resilience and divine devotion. Dating back over two centuries to Bangladesh, this Puja has since found a new home at Nagendranagar in Krishnagar, after political unrest and communal tensions forced the Hazra family to relocate from Dhaka.
The Hazra Badi Durga Puja, originally conducted by Zamindar Apurboshree Hazra, is unique in following the Brihadnandikishore system of Shakti Puja, a powerful invocation of the Goddess Durga. The Zamindar, known affectionately as Rai Moshai, was a beloved figure in the community, and the entire region around his Dhaka estate would come alive with celebration. Villages would vibrate with festivity as giant platters of proshad, offerings to the Goddess made from coconuts, puffed rice, fruits, and other seasonal produce, would be distributed among the people.
This Puja, which coincided with the harvest season of a special variety of rice, doubled as a thanksgiving ritual to the fertile Goddess for the abundance she provided. As the rituals progressed in the grand mandap (worship pavilion), makeshift kitchens would keep villagers well-fed with rice, fish, and lentils, adding a touch of community joy to the solemnity of the religious observance. The sound of dhaak drums, kaansha cymbals, and conch shells filled the air, a sonic reminder of devotion and unity.
The Hazra family’s connection to the Nawab of Bengal further strengthens their historical roots. Apurboshree Hazra was bestowed with the title “Hazra” by the Nawab in recognition of his military support, providing a thousand (hazar) musclemen to the Nawab’s army. This legacy of strength and honor carries forward through the Durga Puja tradition, now more than just a religious ritual but a testament to endurance and continuity.
After years of sharing the Puja between family members who remained in Bangladesh and those who relocated to India, the political climate in Bangladesh deteriorated further. With Hindu worship increasingly coming under attack, the Hazra family decided to permanently relocate their beloved Durga Puja to India in 1999. Since then, the annual celebration has taken place in their Krishnanagar home, with family members traveling from across India—and sometimes abroad—to participate.
One of the defining features of this Puja is the Shotruboli, or the symbolic “Sacrifice of the Enemy,” a ritual unique to the Hazra family. In this practice, a doll made of rice paste is ceremonially decapitated by the male members of the family, representing the defeat of internal enemies—envy, negativity, and complacency—that hinder personal growth. This act of symbolic sacrifice underscores the deeper message of Durga Puja: the triumph of good over evil, and the Goddess’s role in helping her devotees rise above their weaknesses.
The communal nature of the Hazra Durga Puja extends beyond the family. From the Purohit (priest) and dhaaki (drummer) to the artisans, flower sellers, and sweet vendors, a network of people comes together to make this celebration a success. The entire community takes part in the divinity of the occasion, fostering camaraderie and shared devotion.
Each year, the festivities begin with the sound of Chandipath on Mahalaya, the invocation of the Goddess, and crescendo with the grand celebrations starting on Panchami. For the Hazra family, Durga Puja is not just a religious event but a living connection to their ancestral heritage, a bridge between two countries, and a reaffirmation of faith, family, and community.
As the drums roll and the conch shells blow this year, the Hazra family and the extended community will once again rise to celebrate Durga Puja, keeping alive the traditions of their forebears and the blessings of the Goddess, no matter where life has taken them.
Tags: #DurgaPuja #HazraFamily #Krishnagar #Bangladesh #India
