Maa Manasha worshipped in Fulghara during four days of Puja

BALURGHAT: Goddess Manasha is worshipped here instead of Maa Durga during the four-day carnival — Mahasasthi to Mahanabami by the organisers of Fulghara located on the outskirt of Balurghat.

This has been a tradition for more than three decades running uninterruptedly and celebrating its 350th year.

Many hundred years ago snakes dominated the region as the entire area was covered with dense woodland. Locals used to keep sharp weapons in hand to kill snakes but it was hardly enough to avoid deaths from snakebites.

In that critical juncture, a local resident Sudar Mondal received a chala (wooden Manasha idol) from Atreyee River while taking a bath there in the morning. On that day at night, Maa Manasha came in his dream instructing him to worship her to get rid of the trouble.

Accordingly, Sudar Mondal started worshipping Maa Manasha with other local inhabitants together and was thus relieved from snakes. In this way, worshipping Maa Manasha instead of Maa Durga started from Mahasasthi to Mahanabami.

Traditionally, Lakshmi and Saraswati are also worshipped with Maa Manasha but significantly — Ganesh and Kartik are not worshipped.

Moreover, Manasha Mangal, Chandi Mangal, Behula-Lakshmindar Gaan (holy songs) are also chanted during the Puja days. Thousands of people from even the remotest of the areas visit the Puja every year. Around 21 local families participate actively in the ancient extravaganza.

President of Fulghara Puja committee, Binimoy Mohanta said: "Rusty chandelier and old buildings have been renovated recently to give the temple a new-look witnessing a bygone era coming alive in defiance of time. Thousands of devotees from Malda and Raiganj apart from Balurghat visit the Puja. Our Puja is strictly adhere to the Shastras."

The Puja mandap at the premises is getting appropriately illuminated evoking the old world ambience.

The main priest of the Puja, Prakash Chakraborty said Maa Durga is not worshipped anywhere in Fulghara area during these four days.

"We are very proud of this traditional custom. We distribute prasad (offerings) to around 2000 people every year. Performing the Puja following proper rituals is very satisfying. We are keen on taking up the responsibility of carrying the custom successfully," he said.