Malda, Nov. 6 -- Zamindari may have disappeared into the pages of history, but its legacy continues to thrive in Pakua Hat, where the nearly 200-year-old Adi Shyama Kali Puja remains a symbol of faith, devotion and community bonding. For generations, the presiding deity of Shri Shri Adi Shyama Kali Temple in Bamongola block has been worshipped with unwavering devotion, keeping an age-old tradition alive.

According to local accounts, the Puja dates back nearly two centuries, when a zamindar from Bardhaman arrived in Pakua Hat for business and subsequently established his estate here. He also set up a large marketplace, which gradually gave the area its identity. Local folklore has it that zamindar Nandi Chowdhury began the Kali Puja after receiving a divine instruction in a dream. Before returning to Bardhaman, he entrusted the responsibility of organising the worship to residents of nine neighbouring villages.

Since then, the tradition has continued uninterrupted, with a 12-member puja committee representing the nine villages overseeing the arrangements.

Local elderly resident Mani Mandal said: "The Puja has been carried forward through generations. From the time of Tarani Mandal and former secretary Khokon Bose to the present arrangements under Prakash, people have remained equally devoted to the tradition."

Interestingly, the temple has no land or property of its own. The entire expenditure is met through devotees' offerings and donations. Believed to be highly benevolent, the deity attracts devotees from far-off places who come to seek her blessings and fulfil their vows.

The scale of the annual ritual is remarkable. Around 1,100 to 1,200 goats are sacrificed every year, while nearly 1,500 Kali idols offered by devotees are also brought to the temple. The main worship and first phase of animal sacrifice begin at midnight. From 3 am, Chandi recitation and Bishahari folk performances take centre stage, during which sacrifices remain suspended. The second phase resumes the following morning.

The historic marketplace established during the zamindari era also survives. A weekly market continues to operate around the temple premises, attracting traders and visitors from neighbouring villages and distant areas.

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