JAGADHATRI PUJA

Our members Mr. A. K. Chakraborty and Mr. A. Sinha had spent their childhood in places renowned for Jagadhatri Puja. They share their experiences of the tradition and rituals amidst which they were brought up. In my hometown of Chandannagar, we celebrate the vibrant and enchanting festival of Jagadhatri Puja. From my earliest memories, I marveled at the artistry of the idol-makers who graced our home. This ritual was a meticulous process, beginning with the creation of an elephant, followed by a lion, and finally, the magnificent goddess, Jagadhatri herself. For four consecutive days—Shasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami—the goddess was revered with great devotion, following time-honored rituals. To mark each day, sumptuous bhog, a special offering, was shared with all who attended, making it a delightful time for us as children.
However, it was Dashami, the final day, that held the most excitement. Nearly a hundred children would join in a joyful procession, dancing alongside the beautifully adorned idol as we made our way to the ferry ghat for the grand immersion. The idol took a grand tour of Chandannagar, delighting all with its presence.
Stand Ghat was a picturesque location, with wooden planks leading to the river’s edge. With great care, the idol was gently lowered down the planks, secured by ropes from behind. Wooden planks were also laid on the water’s surface. The idol gracefully glided onto these planks before being gently pushed further into the river, where it would eventually submerge.
As the clay dissolved, the base of the idol was recovered to be used in the next year’s puja. This practice was essential, as crafting the base was a laborious task. The remaining parts of the idol were separated from the base and immersed in the water. By the time these rituals were completed, the first light of dawn would break.
We would return in the same vehicle used to carry the idol, arriving back at our house. Our home would be bustling with relatives, with every room occupied. Knowing this, we often chose to spend our evenings outside, indulging in the festive atmosphere. Jatras and song performances were intentionally scheduled for the night, encouraging people to enjoy the festivities well into the late hours.
𝘽𝙮 𝙈𝙧. 𝘼. 𝙆. 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙮
I was raised in the house ‘Mallick Bari’ at Sarker para, Sheoraphuli, in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. Our family has a rich tradition of celebrating Jagadhatri Puja for generations, spanning nearly 250-300 years. This grand festival is a collaborative effort involving all family members. We meticulously plan the bhog (offering) and serve it to hundreds of people from our neighborhood.
Jagadhatri Puja is a unique celebration for us because all the rituals, including Shasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami, are observed on a single day. The centerpiece of our festivities is the Jagadhatri idol, which we craft in our own home. After the conclusion of the puja, the basic frame of the idol is ceremoniously immersed in the river. However, the frame is not discarded; it is retrieved and preserved for the following year, when it will be worshipped again, and a new idol will be meticulously crafted upon it. This unbroken tradition is a testament to our deep reverence for Goddess Jagadhatri and the bond that ties our family and community together.
𝘽𝙮 𝙈𝙧. 𝘼. 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙖