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Kalna Banerjee Family Durga Puja Features Unique Ritual of Holding Lakshmi
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News18•15-10-2026, 20:23
Kalna Banerjee Family Durga Puja Features Unique Ritual of Holding Lakshmi
- •The Banerjee family in Kalna observes a unique Dashami ritual where Goddess Lakshmi is held back and temple doors are closed.
- •Family members believe that Lakshmi should not depart along with Lord Narayan, making this age-old custom distinct.
- •Unlike conventional practices, thread is not tied around the Goddess's pitcher, and Chandeshwar Shiva is established during Bodhan.
- •Sandhi Puja is performed using candles and large ghee lamps instead of electric lights, along with 28 lotus flowers and lamps.
- •Bhog offerings include varying types of fries from Saptami to Navami, and no animal sacrifice is practiced.
Key Questions Answered
On Dashami, believing that Goddess Lakshmi should not depart alongside Lord Narayan, the main doors of the Durga temple are closed while the women of the family physically hold Lakshmi back.
During Bodhan, Chandeshwar Shiva is established instead of the Narayan shila, and the Ghat is not surrounded by thread. For Sandhi Puja, electric lights are replaced by candles and large ghee lamps, using 28 lotus flowers and lamps instead of the standard 108.
Family members craft the idols entirely by themselves, from the structure to painting and decoration. The daily bhog includes khichuri every day, accompanied by seven types of fries on Saptami, eight on Ashtami, and nine types on Navami along with pulao and rice.
