Balurghat celebrates one-of-a-kind Kali Puja

BALURGHAT: Balurghat's popular Kuthikachari Road Buri Kalibari hosts a traditional Kali Puja, breaking away from the big-budgeted, theme-based Kali Puja celebrations in the region.

Although there is no grand pandal or modern illumination, this Puja witnesses a staggering footfall for its rituals. The black-stone idol of Maa Kali is decorated with gold and silver ornaments during two-day celebration. This Puja is said to have started more than 400 hundred years ago.

Bikash Mazumdar, an elderly resident, believes that Atreyee River had once flown through Kuthikachari area several hundred years ago. The local devotees had setup a temporary temple with Tin and Chala to worship the Goddess, who had apparently emerged from below the earth. Later, Harinath Bhattacharjee and Gopal Chandra Chakraborty setup a permanent temple with the help of locals.

Though today the old temple does not exist, all the rituals have been strictly followed for years. The Buri Kalibari Debattor Estate and the trustee board along with Balurghat Municipality ensure that the puja is carried out properly. The entire cost of the puja is borne by the estate.

During the two-day celebration, the natmandir and the other adjacent buildings are decorated with lights, chandeliers, adding to the old-world ambience of the Puja.

The Puja is performed following Nirghantas (ritual schedule) fixed by the head priest. The tradition of Boli (sacrificing animals as offerings) and the custom of offering a gigantic "Boal" Fish of 20 kg are the two unique tradition of this Kalibari.

Apart from the residents of Balurghat, around 5,000 devotees from various places of North Dinajpur and Malda visit the temple every year during the Puja days.