Alipurduar, Nov. 6 -- A Kali temple on Indian soil receives free electricity throughout the year from neighbouring Bhutan. The support does not end there. Ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali, Bhutanese residents also provide cement, paint and other materials for the temple's renovation and repair. This unique cross-border bond has remained an integral part of the 76-year-old Makrapara Kali Temple, situated along the India-Bhutan border.

The temple traces its history to 1950, when Kali Puja was first introduced through the initiative of Makrapara residents and Bhutanese traders.

The land belongs to Makrapara Tea Estate, while the Bhutanese settlement of Gomtu lies nearby.

Despite the international boundary, the temple has fostered a strong bond between people of the two countries. Bhutanese Buddhists have been visiting the shrine for decades. Devotees also arrive from Nepal.

Visitors have to climb 51 steps to reach the temple, symbolising the 51 Shakti Peethas. Goddess Kali is worshipped here in her Dakshina Kalika form.

"The Puja began in 1950, and my grandfather was the first priest. The third generation of our family is now carrying forward the responsibility," said temple priest Sandip Chakraborty. He added that the temple was established during the tenure of Charu Charan Sanyal of Jalpaiguri.

The Puja begins early on Kali Puja morning and continues throughout the night, accompanied by Chandi Path and traditional rituals. A special preparation of boal fish is offered to the Goddess exclusively on this occasion. As many as 108 oil lamps are also lit. Animal sacrifice, discontinued seven years ago, has been replaced by the offering of a pair of coconuts.

Devotees arrive from across North Bengal, Bhutan and Nepal, including Paro, Thimphu, Gelephu, Kathmandu and Pokhara.

A cement factory in Gomtu supplies free electricity to the temple throughout the year, covering its lighting, fans and other electrical requirements.

Kishore Parvin, president of the temple committee, said the annual puja is organised under the management of Makrapara Tea Estate authorities. "The elaborate lighting arrangements during Kali Puja require substantial electricity. The free supply from Bhutan makes it easier for us to maintain the temple and organise the festival," he said.

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