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Enchanting Grandeur of Jagaddhatri Puja in Krishnanagar: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
Jagaddhatri Puja, also known as Jagadhatri Puja, is one of the most popular festivals in the Indian state of West Bengal, especially in the town of Krishnanagar . This annual event, which is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Jagaddhatri, attracts thousands of devotees and visitors from all over the country.
History and Origin
The origins of Jagaddhatri Puja can be traced back to the 18th century, when it was first celebrated by Maharaja Krishna Chandra, the king of Krishnanagar . The Jagaddhatri Puja of Krishnanagar Rajbari , initiated by Krishna Chandra in 1762, is the crowning glory of the annual festival. The Maharaja's absence from the Durga Puja that year left him heartbroken as he could not offer his prayers to Maa Durga. Returning by boat on Dasami, the day of idol immersion, the Maharaja saw the idols being immersed in the river and was overcome with grief. However, in a dream that night, he saw a teenage Goddess seated on a lion, resembling a white horse, assuring him that she would come to him on the Sukla Nabami tithi in the Bengali month of Kartick (October-November). Following her divine instructions, an idol of Goddess Jagaddhatri was sculpted and the puja was performed with great pomp and splendor.
The idol, resembling the Goddess in Maharaja's dream, depicts a teenage girl seated on a white lion facing forward, similar to the knight on a chessboard. The Goddess has four hands and is armed with a conch, a discus, a bow, and arrows. The Krishnanagar Rajbari has maintained this age-old tradition with utmost devotion and care. On the day of Nabami, all the three pujas - Saptami , Astami, and Nabami - along with Sandhi puja, are performed with great reverence. The puja commences with the offering of kichuri and nine types of fry, including fish, as bhog to the deity. Sacrifices of sugarcane, chalkumra , and bananas replace animal sacrifices, as the family has stopped the practice of Bali .
The Sandhi puja, conducted after the Astami puja, is a vital part of the Jagaddhatri Puja, followed by hom . The interior of the Rajbari's natmandir is beautifully decorated, and visitors are awed by the exquisite pankher kaaj . In addition to the Jagaddhatri Puja, the Krishnanagar Rajbari also hosts the Durga Puja and Barodol Mela , attracting many visitors to witness the grandeur of these festivals. The Rajbari's customs and rituals have been preserved over the centuries, and their dedication to the Goddess and the festival is evident in the splendor of the Jagaddhatri Puja.
Legend has it that the king was inspired by the philosophy of the Vedas , which teaches that there is only one divine entity, and all other Gods and Goddesses are manifestations of this one supreme being. To express his devotion to this divine entity, Raja Krishna Chandra started the tradition of celebrating Jagaddhatri Puja as a way of expressing his gratitude and reverence for the Goddess.
Over the years, the Puja grew in popularity and became one of the most important festivals in Krishnanagar . The Raja continued to be a patron of the Puja and made significant contributions to its development and expansion. In fact, it was during his reign that the famous idol of Jagaddhatri was created, which is still worshiped during the Puja today. The idol, which is made of clay and is more than ten feet tall, is considered to be one of the most beautiful and intricate idols of the Goddess in all of India.
As the years went by, the tradition of Jagaddhatri Puja continued to thrive and became an integral part of the cultural fabric of Krishnanagar. The festival has continued to evolve and grow, with new customs and rituals being added over time.
Traditions and Rituals
Jagaddhatri Puja is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in Krishnanagar, with various rules and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. The most important of these customs is the construction of beautifully crafted idols of the Goddess Jagaddhatri.
The idols are made of clay, and are often several feet tall. They are intricately decorated with vibrant colors and intricate designs, and are accompanied by smaller idols of other Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The idols are worshiped with offerings of flowers, sweets, and other items, and are then immersed in water on the final day of the festival.
Another important aspect of Jagaddhatri Puja is the lighting of diyas, or small clay lamps, which are placed around the temple and the idols. The light from the diyas is said to symbolize the triumph of good over evil, and is believed to bring blessings and prosperity to the devotees.
Celebrations across the Paras of Krishnanagar
Jagaddhatri Puja is celebrated across the Paras of Krishnanagar , with each Paras having its own unique customs and traditions. The Paras are essentially different neighborhoods or communities within the town, each with its own distinct identity and character.
The most prominent of them all is Chasapara Barowari Puja where the deity is called Burima. This festival that has been celebrated for over 100 years, is known for its grandeur and splendor. The festival is organized by the Chasapara Barowari Committee, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the locals. The festival is known for its magnificent pandal decorations, which are designed based on various themes and concepts. The pandals are adorned with colorful lights, flowers, and other decorative items, making them a visual treat for the visitors.
During the Puja, the locals also perform a unique ritual called "chokkhudaan" where they offer their eyes to the Goddess in the form of a symbolic gesture. This ritual is believed to signify the devotee's willingness to see the truth and the divine light. The festival is also known for its colorful processions, which are accompanied by the beats of the dhak, a traditional Indian percussion instrument. One of the notable features of this Chasapara Barowari is the heavily adornment of Burima with gold jewellery. It is believed that Burima fulfills her true devotees wishes.
The celebrations in each Paras typically start several days before the actual Puja, with preparations for the construction of the idols and the decorations. The actual Puja takes place over a period of four days, with the first day being the most important.
On the first day, which is known as Navami , the idols are taken out in a grand procession, accompanied by music and dance. The devotees offer their prayers and offerings to the Goddess, and then return to their homes to continue the celebrations with their families and friends.
On the second day of Jagaddhatri Puja, which is called Dashami , the devotees continue to offer prayers and offerings to the Goddess. Many people also visit the homes of their friends and family to exchange gifts and greetings. The atmosphere is festive and joyful, with music, dance, and delicious food being an integral part of the celebrations.
The third day of Jagaddhatri Puja is called Ekadashi , and it is considered to be a very auspicious day. On this day, the idols of the Goddess are adorned with new clothes and jewellery, and special pujas are performed to invoke the blessings of the Goddess. In some Paras, there may be special rituals or ceremonies that take place on this day.
The final day of Jagaddhatri Puja is known as Dwadashi or Bijoya Dashami . On this day, the idols of the Goddess are taken out in a grand procession once again, and are then immersed in the water of Jalangi river. This signifies the end of the Puja and the departure of the Goddess from the mortal world. The devotees bid farewell to the Goddess with tears in their eyes, but with the knowledge that she will return next year to bring blessings and prosperity once again.
Epilogue
Jagaddhatri Puja is a celebration of culture, tradition, and faith, and is an important event in the lives of the people of Krishnanagar . The festival is a testament to the enduring spirit of devotion and reverence that is such an integral part of Indian culture.
As we celebrate Jagaddhatri Puja, let us remember the timeless message of this festival - that good always triumphs over evil, and that faith and devotion can overcome any obstacle. As I sit here, reminiscing about the grand celebrations of Jagaddhatri Puja of Krishnanagar Rajbari , I am filled with nostalgia and devotion. The festival holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to the next year's celebrations with great anticipation. May the blessings of Goddess Jagaddhatri be with us always, and may we continue to celebrate this beautiful festival with the same fervor and devotion for years to come.
Barodol Mela: A Cultural Extravaganza of Krishnanagar
Krishnanagar, a bustling city located just over 100km from Kolkata , holds a royal secret that has been celebrated for over 250 years. Barodol Mela, once an intimate fair between a king and his queen, has evolved into a sacred ritual deeply ingrained in the city's heritage. Barodol Mela, held at the Rajbari courtyard, holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Krishnanagar. It is a cultural extravaganza that brings together people from all walks of life and celebrates the unique traditions and customs of the region.
Origin and History of Barodol Mela
Maharaja Krishnachandra, a devoted husband, once failed to fulfill his promise of taking his beloved queen to the neighboring fair at Ula Birnagar. To make up for it, he organized a grand festival in his own palace where 12 idols of Krishna were invited for a month-long stay. The tradition continues to this day, with the royal household playing a vital role in the festival's success, even though its splendor has faded somewhat over time.
Although there are few records of the festival's early days, some suggest that the time of the festival was chosen according to the religious text Haribhaktibilas, which references the placement of Hari (Krishna) idols on a swing and their worship for a month starting on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the Bengali month of Chaitra . It is likely that Maharaja Krishnachandra chose this time to hold the festival, which falls on the auspicious eleventh day of the bright fortnight after the Indian festival of Holi in April.
Heritage of Barodol Mela
The festival is normally held after the Dolyatra in the Sukla Ekadashi tithi. It begins with the arrival of 12 idols of Krishna , each representing a different form of the deity. The idols are displayed for public viewing for the first three days of the festival, after which they retire to a temple inside the palace as guests of the patron deity Boro Narayan. Meanwhile, the month-long fair takes place in the vast field next to the old fort's gate, open to all who wish to participate.
A temporary marquee is erected in the palace precincts for public viewing of the idols, which are dressed in different attire on each of these three days, including royal attire, floral attire, and cowherd attire. Pilgrims offer flowers and colored powder to the idols, and the festival attracts Vaishnav pilgrims from all over the district. Even if you are not religiously inclined, you are likely to enjoy a glimpse of the religious iconography of Bengal as represented through these old idols. Unfortunately, the idol of Gopinath from Agradwip , in the neighboring district of Burdwan , is not brought to the fair due to a spat, and a photograph of the idol is worshiped instead.
As the sun sets, the fair springs to life with stalls selling everything from household goods to textiles, plastic goods, and toys. A large portion of the fair is devoted to food stalls, offering traditional snacks like jalebi and fried papad, as well as chicken rolls and chow mein, iced lassi, cold drinks, and ice cream. One particular food to try out is the locally popular hot snack called 'ghugni' , made from cooked gram and yellow or white peas in a spicy gravy and served with various toppings. There is also a row of stalls selling India's popular street food - panipuri ( phuchka in Bengali) - where you will find not only traditional ingredients but also experimental ones.
The month-long fair held in Krishnanagar, is not only a spiritual and cultural extravaganza but also a source of entertainment for many. As visitors flock to the fair to offer their prayers and pay their respects to the idols of Krishna , they are also greeted with a vibrant and bustling scene of performers, circus acts, and thrilling rides.
From the traditional merry-go-round to the giant Ferris wheel, the fair offers a range of rides that are a major attraction for both young and old. The Ferris wheel, in particular, towers over the fair and offers a breathtaking view of the entire city of Krishnanagar. The fairgrounds are alive with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, performers entertaining the crowds, and children laughing and screaming in delight as they ride the rides.
Apart from the rides, the fair also brings with it a host of performers showcasing their skills in various art forms. Visitors can catch the mesmerizing acts of jugglers, acrobats, and magicians, or be spellbound by the aerial displays of trapeze artists. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the fair offers a chance to watch traditional folk music performances.
Economic aspect of the fair
However, the Barodol Mela is not just a source of entertainment for visitors; it also serves as a vital source of income for many people. The fair provides employment opportunities for a large segment of the society, from the vendors selling food and merchandise to the performers showcasing their talents. For some families, the income generated from the fair is their main source of livelihood.
The fair also provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills and sell their wares. From the clay toy makers to the handloom weavers, the fair is an opportunity for these artisans to display their products to a wider audience and earn a living.
Epilogue
The Barodol Mela of Krishnanagar is not just a spiritual and cultural extravaganza but also a hub of entertainment and a vital source of income for many. The fair brings together people from different walks of life and provides a platform for local artists and artisans to showcase their skills and earn a living. Whether it is the thrilling rides, the lively performances, or the mouth-watering food, Barodol Mela never fails to amaze me.
True India resides in its villages
The Father of the Nation - Mahatma Gandhi once said that the very soul, the core of our nation- INDIA lives in its villages. These strong words not only mark the insights of BAPU , a true visionary but also sketches pavements for us the Information Technologists and engineers to develop, test, and build solutions to real-life problems that address the larger part of our society - the rural population. Statistically speaking, till today's date, the urban population is marginalized to a meager 30% thereby clearly showing that the rural population is the largest stakeholders of this nation. Therefore, it is our utmost duty to nurture these fragile communities, that are still drenched in the aura of ignorance, illiteracy, and acute financial crisis. Most of the technological developments cater to the 'haves' of the urban jungles. The latest technologies, tricks, and trends are more available to the urban population. But this doesn't represent the true image of India. Rather, the real portrait of India is faceted in its simple yet elegant rural faces who live a simple quiet, and peaceful life, much away from the bustling cacophony of the Urban community. Hence it becomes extremely important to not only seek the quality peaceful lifestyle from the villages but help the 'have-nots' to incorporate technologies in their day-to-day lives as well. For the long-run development of this nation, we as technical students must strive our best to bridge the technical gap between the urban and the villages as much as possible. Only then can the words of BAPU be released to the fullest as True India resides in its villages.