From Family Legacy to Community Tradition: Kantapukur’s 46-Year Journey of Jagadhatri Puja.

Bhattacharya’s of Kantapukur: being enchanted, and ravished with the pleasure of viewing Jagadhatri Puja in his hometown Chandannagar, Barun Bhattacharya (‘Phool’ as fondly called by his family) the seventh child, urged his parents to worship Mother Jagadhatri at their residence. His father Mr. Kamakhya Charan Bhattacharya, eminent educationist, vice principal of Chandernagore Dupleix College, along with his mother Monorama Bhattacharya who was a house wife redeemed their wards wish with the empowerment of “Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraay”. It was in the year 1968 when Monorama Devi started sculpting the idol of strength – Maa Jagadhatri; it was Phool with his wild imaginations commenced the decorations using coloured designer papers. He was complemented by his brothers Tapas & Manas.  

It is often said that “If a man has been his mother’s undisputed darling he retains throughout life the triumphant feeling, the confidence in success, which not seldom brings actual success along with it.” The family legacy thus started with Barun’s Uncle Mr. Kamal Krishna Bhattacharya & his wife Niva Bhattacharya extending their support at a later stage.  

Barun Bhattacharya while speaking with the writer had been reminiscent about the best days of his life, encompassing the celebration of Jagadhatri Puja. The saga continued till 1978. It was during this period when the Lady of the family Monorama Bhattacharya started remaining unwell, and her sculpting acumen was lacking amongst other family members. When the family was reeling under a cultural shock, it was the local’s who approached them to continue the legacy collectively in the form of a Community Worship. It was in 1979, when the Kantapukur Chowmatha Jagadhatri Puja Committee was established.

Kantapukur Chowmatha Jagadhatri Puja Committee: incepted in 1979, the organisers & volunteers remained focus on creating a divine ambiance that honours the grace and strength of Goddess Jagadhatri while fostering a sense of unity and joy among our residents and visitors.

The pandal, a masterpiece of creativity and devotion, stands as a testament to the unwavering faith and dedication of Kantapukur Chowmatha Sarbojonin.

Moreover, Kantapukur Chowmatha Sarbojonin takes great pride in social initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on the lives of community members. Whether it’s through charitable endeavours or eco-friendly initiatives, there is a commitment to serve greater, and spreading joy and compassion to all.

Over the years this Puja Committee has been a perfect example of ethnic solidarity; a concourse of religious intermingling, and a demonstrating pinnacle of Hierarchy of Trust beyond doubts. Not only, they have upheld the sovereignty of the traditions inculcated by the Bhattacharya Family – Monorama Bhattacharya & her son Barun Bhattacharya; they have also glorified the true essence of a strong Community that which has been successfully built. In 2024, they are celebrating their 46^th year.

Puja Celebrated by La Femme: 

Purashree Jagadhatri Puja Committee (Nabagram) – is a Puja Committee organising the Jagadhatri Puja in all its grandeur, and what makes the committee different from others is that it is an All-Women Puja Committee. The ladies’ members collect the donation; distributes prasad’s. However, the men extend their cooperation during lifting the idol for transporting for immersion. The geographical location of the Puja poses an extra challenge for the organisers, when the idol needs to be lied down before crossing a rail overbridge on the Howrah-Bandel section of the Indian Railways. They have maintained a very low height of the Idol since its inception in 2013 to overcome the riddles of crossing the rail overbridge.

Adjoining Chandannagar is Bhadreswar & Champdani –

As discussed earlier, a severe contemplation of extending the geographical boundaries of the festival beyond Chandannagar towards Bhadreswar & Champdani municipal areas – the establishment of the Chandernagore Central Jagadhatri Puja Committee became inevitable. The Jagadhatri Puja those which are celebrated in these two adjacent towns are Parri-Passu with Chandannagar in every vigour, and signing off with the glamorous immersion procession. However, after the formal completion of the night long procession, the respective participants are destined to complete the immersion formalities in the stipulated ghats within the Bhadreswar & Champdani Municipal Areas.

Tentultala Gourhati: it is widely acclaimed that this Puja was initiated by Dataram Sur, an accomplice of Raja Krishnachandra in 1793, after he was financed by the King himself.

Ideologically being the second oldest Community Puja; at the centre of this 232-year-old Jagadhatri Puja in Bhadreswar which is fondly known as “Buri Maa” is a tantric heritage in its worship of this form of Shakti. Like Chaulpatti, Tetultala’s Buri Maa continues with its ritual of animal sacrifice standing on its historic fervour of the puja and its revered traditions.

When the Puja was established, it was the French, and British dignitaries who paid visits to observe the proceedings particularly before the immersions. In those days women were forbade to appear before the foreigners. Hence, the males took the initiative, of being attired in Sarees, applying vermilion on their foreheads, putting on traditional bangles depicting womanhood, to greet the Goddess before bidding her adieu. This tradition is been practiced till today.

To be continued………

Writer Suvro Sanyal

Mavericknews30 has launched a series of articles on community building, sharing insights and success stories. Stay tuned for the next article as we explore how to create stronger, more connected communities!

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