While Durga Puja is a Hindu festival, this particular puja is known for celebrating Hindu-Muslim communal harmony. Durga Puja at Kishornagar Garh Rajbari (Royal Palace) in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district’s Contai (Kanthi) is being celebrated for almost 300 years. Goddess Swarna Durga is worshipped in the royal family’s temple.

This simple, traditional style of Durga Puja does not run after fancy themes, yet attracts a heavy footfall, with people coming from far and wide. In this Durga Puja, Hindu-Muslim harmony is a major feature, where the Goddess’ Prasad is offered to Muslim Pirs before the idol’s immersion.

A fair is hosted during Durga Puja where local residents— both Hindus and Muslims participate with enthusiasm. People of different religions take part in this Durga Puja, making it a true symbol of communal harmony.

When and how did this Durga Puja start?

The Kishornagar Garh Royal Palace’s Durga Puja began about 300 years ago, after Maharaja Yadav Ram Roy received instructions from the goddess in his dream asking him to worship her idol. The puja began in 1720. As per folklore, Goddess Durga crossed a nearby canal in a boat and arrived at the royal residence. In earlier times, the “Sandhi Puja”, which is the main ritual, began by firing a cannon from the royal palace. However, this practice has been discontinued with time.

The fishermen community has been traditionally composing and singing songs of Goddess Durga in this Puja, which is also believed to have begun as per Goddess Durga’s instructions over dream.

Swarna Durga’s special cashew nut bhog

During Durga Puja, the Goddess is offered food, fruits, and sweets. However, in this puja, a special bhog is offered to the Goddess cooked with cashew nuts, cottage cheese and sugar, for which there is a high demand as people come from far and wide to eat this ‘prasad’. On the eighth day or Mahashtami, thousands of people gathered to pay homage to Goddess Swarna Durga.

A fair is hosted during Durga Puja where local residents— both Hindus and Muslims participate with enthusiasm. This fair became a symbol of communal harmony in the region.

Why was buffalo sacrifice discontinued?

Although this royal family’s puja had a tradition of buffalo sacrifice, it has been discontinued over time. However, the sacrificial altar and sacrificial sword is worshipped with vermillion and flowers on all days of Durga Puja.

But why was this practice discontinued? It is learnt that once, severe floods destroyed the royal cowshed. The buffalo which was kept there for being sacrificed to the goddess, died after being crushed by the wall of the cowshed. From that year onwards, the 250-year-old tradition of ‘Mahishabali’ was discontinued. However, sacrifice still happens with wax gourd and sugarcane.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share