Stories
History of the 372-year-old Ghoshal family Durga Puja in Jamalpur
- •The Durga Puja of the Ghoshal family in Kolsara village, Jamalpur, Purba Bardhaman marks its 372nd year
- •Ancestor Digambar Ghoshal was a trusted employee of Sher Shah, and the puja expenses were arranged from the income of land donated by the emperor
- •Ishwarchandra Ghoshal initiated the puja after a divine dream, starting unique traditions like offering various banana dishes as bhog
- •The worship begins on Mahalaya and daily bhog is cooked using Ganges water, preserving centuries-old family customs and heritage
Key Questions Answered
The Durga Puja marks its 372nd year and is celebrated on land historically donated by Emperor Sher Shah. The family ancestor, Digambar Ghoshal, was a trusted employee of Sher Shah who came to the region in 1540 AD during the Grand Trunk Road renovation, leading the family to settle in Kolsara village and establish the tradition.
The descendant Ishwarchandra Ghoshal initiated the Durga Puja after receiving a divine dream where he beheld a young girl in the banana orchard, whom the family believes was Goddess Durga. Because of this vision, unique dishes made from banana, banana stem, and banana blossom are offered in the goddess's bhog.
The worship of the goddess begins right on Mahalaya and continues until Dashami with daily bhog offerings. A special custom requires daily bhog to be cooked strictly using Ganges water brought in large vessels prior to the puja, maintaining centuries-old traditions without modern changes.
