Siliguri, Oct. 14 -- At a time when Durga Puja immersions are often accompanied by grand processions, elaborate arrangements and modern celebrations, the residents of Kestopur in Bagdogra have preserved a unique tradition rooted in their ancestral customs. Every year, the idols of Goddess Durga and her children are immersed in a nearby pond on a raft made of banana trunks. The unique ritual attracts large crowds from Siliguri and neighbouring areas. Located under the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad, Keshtopur's distinctive immersion ritual has continued for decades at the Choupukuria Anandamoyee Kalibari.
According to local history, the area was once covered by dense forests. Residents worshipped at the Kali temple and Durga Puja was introduced there later. In those days, the idols were immersed in the pond beside the temple on a raft made of banana trees. The tradition has been carried forward by the organisers to this day.
Unlike conventional immersion ceremonies, the ritual takes place two days after Vijaya Dashami. The banana raft is prepared by the villagers themselves every year. A pandal is erected beside the temple, where the Goddess is worshipped in a traditional Ekchala idol adorned with Daaker Saaj, with the arrangements resembling a Natmandir.
Sushanta Moulik, priest of Choupukuria Anandamoyee Kalibari said: "We worship Goddess Durga together. The Puja begins on Shashthi, and two days after Dashami, the idol is immersed in the pond on a banana raft. A large number of people gather here on immersion day."
History is attached with the temple and the pond. As per the villagers, while digging the ground for the construction of a permanent temple to replace the earlier tin structure, a staircase was discovered beneath the area where the Kali idol now stands. The staircase reportedly extended towards the adjacent pond, and the bricks used in it were said to be unusual. Another discovery was made during pond renovation a few years ago, when a large wooden boat was unearthed from beneath the pond.
It is now preserved at the museum of the University of North Bengal. Many locals continue to believe that the Goddess protects the village.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.