Jalpaiguri, Sept. 7 -- Devotees and local residents have urged the Forest Department to ensure adequate security and regular monitoring during Durga Puja at the Bano Durga temple deep inside Baikunthapur forest, a secluded site locally associated with legendary figures Debi Chowdhurani and Bhavani Pathak.
According to local folklore, people living in the forest began worshipping Bano Durga seeking protection from wild animals such as tigers and elephants.
Local accounts also associate the deity with Debi Chowdhurani, who is believed to have protected people from oppression during British rule.
Devotees are expected to start visiting the shrine from Maha Shasthi to offer incense and prayers, with assistance from Forest Department personnel, said local residents Suresh Mondal and Janaki Roy.
The temple can be reached from Gazaldoba Barrage in Rajganj block by crossing Shimladangi Bridge and travelling deep into the forest. Another route passes through Ambari-Falakata and Cheulibari Haat before reaching the Gazaldoba Barrage and crossing Shimguri Bridge. Around five kilometres of dense forest fall under the Farabari Forest Beat of the Dabgram Range. Visitors have to travel by motorcycle along a narrow dirt road, which is also a frequently used elephant corridor.
"For the past 45 years, the annual Bano Durga Puja has been organised here on Poush Purnima. A large number of devotees, however, visit the temple during the durga Puja every year to light incense and candles and offer prayers," said Raju Saha, secretary of the Bano Durga Puja Committee.
The Poush Purnima idol is distinctive: the ten-armed goddess is depicted without her children, alongside Lord Shiva and a forest guard holding a stick. Pigeons and goats are offered as sacrifices during the Puja.
Rajib Lama, ADFO, Baikunthapur Forest Division, said: "If we are informed in advance about visits during Durga Puja, we will certainly extend our cooperation."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.