Stories
Over 455 Years of Heritage: The Unique History of Shibkutir Durga Puja in Barasat
- •The Shibkutir Durga Puja in Dakshinpara, Barasat, is over 455 years old and rich in ancient traditions.
- •A unique ritual on Ashtami involves burning dhuno and sitting on the laps of elderly women to ensure good health throughout the year.
- •Historically, the puja traces back to Sardar Shankar Chatterjee, the chief commander of King Pratapaditya, during the Mughal era.
- •Emperor Jahangir permitted Shankar to perform rituals inside prison following the intervention of Jodha Bai, who later dreamt of the Durga Puja.
- •On Dashami, the Goddess is offered panta bhat and taro greens before being immersed before evening.
Key Questions Answered
During Ashtami at the Shibkutir Durga Puja in Barasat, a special ritual involves burning frankincense (dhuno) in front of the Goddess's idol. Immediately afterward, family members and locals sit on the laps of elderly women, which is believed to keep their bodies and health sound throughout the year.
The puja originated over 455 years ago when Mughal Emperor Akbar imprisoned King Pratapaditya and his chief commander, Sardar Shankar Chatterjee. After Queen Mother Jodha Bai was mesmerized by Shankar's mantra chanting during a permitted tarpan and experienced a prophetic dream about Durga Puja, she ordered the imprisoned Shankar to perform the worship.
On Dashami, when Uma returns to her in-laws, she is offered panta bhat and taro greens, and the Goddess's idol must be immersed before evening. Before immersion, Uma is carried on shoulders to receive anjali in a circle, and the Chatterjee family performs Satyanarayan Puja only after returning from the immersion.
