Malda, Oct. 2 -- Floodwaters that had submerged homes, roads, schools and even a Durga Puja pandal in North Chandipur of Bhutni have receded considerably over the past two days, bringing relief to villagers and reviving hopes of celebrating Durga Puja in the flood-hit village.

The century-old community Durga Puja at Bagdipara was among the worst affected. Water entered the temple premises and submerged the idol as well as the pandal, forcing the organisers to suspend preparations.

Locals claimed that the village temple had witnessed flooding for the first time since 1998. In some parts, water rose up to the waist, while in other areas it reached nearly chest height. The idol-making work, which had begun around a month ago, also had to be stopped after the area was inundated.

"Water entered the temple and submerged the idol. For a while, we were not even sure whether the Puja could be held this year. Now that the water has receded, we are hopeful that we can revive the preparations," a local resident, Kalu Bagdi said.

Organisers said the remaining work would resume in full swing once the structures and

idol dry out completely. The Puja, one of the oldest in Bhutni, is officially registered and receives government assistance. The celebration includes animal sacrifice on Ashtami night and a four-day village fair. In the absence of Brahmin families in the village, local residents have traditionally conducted the rituals themselves.

The festival is also known for its message of communal harmony. However, behind the festive preparations lies a growing concern over river erosion. Villagers said the Ganga, which was several kilometres away a decade or two ago, has gradually moved closer to the settlement due to continuous erosion.

"Our only prayer to the Goddess this year is that the river stops eating into our land. We want our village to survive and Bhutni to remain on the map," another villager Anwarul Hoque said.

Despite the repeated setbacks caused by floods and erosion, organisers remain determined to maintain the century-old tradition. Manikchak BJP MLA Gour Chandra Mondal has assured that necessary government assistance would be extended if required.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.