Malda, Oct. 13 -- Having lost his eyesight to cholera in childhood, Mukunda Gharami has spent much of his life navigating a world shrouded in darkness. With no assured source of income and limited means, life has never been easy for him at Nandinadaha in Chandpur area of Malda's Bamongola block. Yet, for nearly four to five decades, he has continued to worship Goddess Durga with his own hands, without the assistance of a priest, guided by what he believes was a divine instruction in a dream.

"About 40 to 50 years ago, I dreamt that Maa Durga was asking me to worship her. But I was blind and I had no fixed source of income. I kept wondering how I would arrange everything for the puja," Gharami recalled.

Further, the Goddess reassured that an elaborate arrangement was unnecessary and that even water and flowers would be enough to begin her worship. Taking the dream as a divine blessing, Gharami started his worship. Initially, he shared his experience with villagers, hoping for support, but received little encouragement.

His next challenge was arranging a Durga idol. Unable to afford one, he struggled to find a way forward. Then, a clay artisan arrived at his home and expressed his willingness to craft an idol.

"I did not have the money to make an idol. Then one day, a clay artisan came to my house and offered to make one. I believe Maa Durga herself guided him to my home," Gharami said.

The artisan crafted a small idol, allowing Mukunda's long-cherished wish to take shape. Later, he and his wife began visiting different parts of the village to collect financial assistance and organise the annual Puja. Today, a concrete idol of Goddess Durga stands at his home, where the couple perform daily worship together. His wife assists him in maintaining the rituals, while Mukunda continues to lead the prayers with devotion.

The couple have one son and three daughters. The daughters are married, while their son works in another state because of the family's financial difficulties.

"I may not be able to see Maa with my eyes, but I have never felt that I am alone. My faith in her has kept me going through every hardship," he said.

His humble worship in Nandinadaha is a poignant reminder that devotion is not measured by wealth, elaborate decorations or grand celebrations. For Mukunda Gharami, it is the strength of an enduring belief that has kept his Durga Puja alive for nearly half a century.

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