Stories
Bhaskar Pandit's Durga Puja in Dainhat! History lives on today
- •In 1742, Maratha commander Bhaskar Pandit invaded Bengal with around 40,000 soldiers and clashed with Nawab Alivardi Khan.
- •After retreating towards Katwa following a conflict, the Borgis captured the ancient Kachari Bari in Dainhat and established their base.
- •It is believed that Bhaskar Pandit organized Durga Puja at this very base during the autumn season, collecting tributes from nearby villages.
- •On September 27, 1742, Nawab Alivardi Khan launched a surprise attack on the puja venue on Maha Nabami evening, forcing the Borgis to flee.
- •Local residents in Dainhat still maintain a deep interest in the puja to preserve the memory of that historical event and its unfinished nature.
Key Questions Answered
In Dainhat, East Bardhaman, the ruins of the ancient Kachari Bari carry the memory of the Maratha Borgi invasions. Locals claim that the Borgi commander Bhaskar Pandit once organized Durga Puja at this very location after capturing and establishing his base there.
On September 27, 1742, after the Maha Nabami evening aarti, Nawab Alivardi Khan's army launched a surprise attack by crossing the Bhagirathi river. The unexpected assault forced the Borgis to scatter and retreat, leaving Bhaskar Pandit to abandon the puja and head toward Maharashtra.
Fearing that the Durga idol would fall into the hands of the enemy forces, Bhaskar Pandit immersed it in deep water before leaving. To preserve this historical memory, local residents continue to maintain a keen interest in the annual celebration.
