Jalpaiguri, Nov. 4 -- The Kali Puja organised at the Moraghat Range Office in Gayerkata, Dooars, is more than a religious celebration. Rooted in local history and beliefs, the Puja has been observed with traditional rituals since 1946. For devotees, the Goddess is revered as a 'Jagrat Devi', believed to respond to the prayers of her followers.

One of the oldest Kali pujas in the Gayerkata area, the tradition dates back to the British era, when the Moraghat Range Office was established to oversee the vast forest areas of the Dooars. After Independence, the office came under the Jalpaiguri Forest Division in 1950, but the annual Puja continued, preserving a legacy associated with the region's colonial past.

According to local accounts, the Puja was first introduced at the initiative of Durga Pada Banerjee, a timber trader.

The tradition reportedly began after a serving official of the range office fell seriously ill. Despite extensive medical treatment, his condition did not improve. Local timber traders then prayed to the Goddess, vowing to establish a temple within the range office premises if the official recovered.

Following his recovery, the Kali Puja began to be organised regularly and has continued ever since.

Over the years, local timber traders, Forest department officials and staff have collectively contributed to the celebration. With the support of the timber traders' association, an attractive temple has also been constructed within the range office premises.

Every year, the temple complex and adjoining office buildings are illuminated during the festival.

Moraghat Range Officer Chandan Bhattacharya said the Puja had been organised this year as well, following traditional rituals. He added that the Forest department would take an initiative to support people affected by floods in the Dooars after the festival.

"Alongside its religious significance, the traditional Kali Puja also carries a message of social responsibility," he said.

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