Stories
Dhulian Rajbari Puja Features 22 Deities and New Museum
- •The Dhulian Rajbari Durga Puja is nearly 300 years old, originally established by Raghvendra Nath Roy.
- •The puja is celebrated for a total of thirteen days, starting from Krishna Navami before Mahalaya until Vijaya Dashami.
- •A total of 22 deities, including the Ganges, Shiva, Nandi-Bhringi, Rama, and Lakshmana, are worshipped in a single framework.
- •Historical practices like buffalo sacrifice have been stopped, though some buffalo heads are preserved intact.
- •The royal house is undergoing renovation, and a new museum displaying rare zamindar items will be opened to the general public.
Key Questions Answered
About 300 years ago, Raghvendra Nath Roy was boating on the Ganges river near Dhulian Kanchantala, liked the location, and established the zamindar house. He then started the Durga Puja tradition which continues to be carried on through generations.
Unlike the standard four-day celebration, the Durga Puja at Dhulian Rajbari is conducted for a total of thirteen days. The puja begins on Krishna Navami before Mahalaya and concludes on Vijaya Dashami.
The Goddess is not worshipped with just Kartik or Ganesh, but a total of 22 deities including Shiva, Nandi-Bhringi, Rama, and Lakshmana are worshipped in a single framework. Additionally, family members are giving the royal house a makeover by building a museum to display rare zamindar items for the general public.
