Story Of This Durga Puja

HISTORY: Durga Puja is the Biggest Festival of West Bengal that is held During the month of September or October. 

Durgapur Paschim Bari's Durga Puja is almost 400 years old, although, there is no record regarding the time of beginning of this Puja. It can be calculated from the generations, witnessing this durga puja. Hence, this is one of the oldest Durga Puja Of West Bengal.

  Durga Murti of Durgapur Paschim Bari

Previously, this Durga Puja was Performed somewhere in North Kolkata, later due to British torture, this ancient Jamidar Family, shifted to a village named Suryapur, Near Dhupdhupi, South 24 Parganas and at last this family settled at Durgapur Paschim bari. From the year of beginning of this puja, it is being performed  every year. Probably in Mughal Period, this durga puja was started in North Kolkata.

ABOUT THE PUJA:

Preparations of this Durgapuja starts after 'Kathamo Puja' or 'Pratimarambha Puja' that is held on the holy moment of 'Janmastomi' (almost 50 days ago from Durga Puja). In this 'Kathamo Puja' the Sankalpa of Starting the making of the idol of godess Durga is taken, and from the next day, the making of idol starts.

'Kathamo Puja' Preparations on 'Janmastomi' 

The Making of the idol, continues with few steps. 1st the maker, makes the structure of the idol by sticks and hay in various forms, 2nd Clays are applied on it and a rough structure is formed, next again clays are applied to give final shapes to the heads, fingers etc, then Colours are applied on dried clays and eyes are drawn by the maker, lastly this idol is dressed gorgeously.

  The Maker ready for giving final touch-up just after finishing his works

On the early morning of Maha Sasthi, before sun rise, 'Kasor-Ghanta' are belled to make Durga devi awaken. On the Perfect time, according to Ponjika, The Priest and The Tantradharaka (The Prompter and the guide to the priest) starts the very beginning of the Durga Puja, A bael tree is worshiped and the main Sankalpa of starting the durga puja is taken. In the evening, the 'Akal Bodhan' of devi is done, and after that, 'Amantran & Adhibas' are simultaneously done.

On the morning of Maha Saptami, The Nabo Patrika, commonly known as 'Kola Bou', is is prepared for giving a bath by various types of waters by the meaning of mantras: 'Staying like a banana tree in front of us, you occupy the heart of Lord Vishnu, I bow to you Oh Nabapatrika, Oh the Goddess Chandi (another form or Durga).' etc. After well dressed, she is situated beside Devi idol. After Pran Pratishtha and Chakhurdan, devi durga is offered several upachar through some sanskrit slokas.

Snan Of Kola Bou

Youtube Link: Kolabou Snan o Probesh

Saptami Puja ends with offering Bhogas and Aratis.

On Maha Astomi, Mandal Pujas and Kumari Puja is Done. Kumari is a little girl, dressed with new saree, she is worshiped as the Living Godess, by the house wifes of the family and she is offered so many stationaries. 

Kumari Puja

On the holy moment of the middle time of Maha Astomi and Maha Navami, when Durga Killed Mahisasur, Sandhi Puja takes place, in this Puja, Devi Durgas dangerous rup 'Chamunda' is worshiped.She is offered 108 lamps and 108 Lotuses. 

108 Lamps, during sandhi Puja
Youtube Link:

Sandhi Puja 2014

On the Day of Maha Navami, Hom is performed and Dakshinanta is done, that announces the ending of durga maha puja. On the next day, the visarjan is done.