Siliguri, Nov. 9 -- Richa Ghosh, cricketer from Indian women's cricket team went pandal-hopping with her family on Kali Puja night, celebrating Diwali and Kali Puja. She visited the pandal of Tarun Athletic Club, located at Hati More near her residence, where the main attraction was a 40-feet-tall Bama Kali idol.
"This was an amazing pandal. I am very happy that I am able to celebrate the festival with my family," said Richa.
Along with Richa, a large number of people also visited the pandal. The 40-feet-tall idol took more than a month to create. A special light-and-sound show was also organised for visitors. The club also brought another six-feet-tall idol from Kumartuli in a grand procession, accompanied by traditional Bama Kali dance. The procession turned into a major spectacle, drawing a massive gathering of onlookers.
Meanwhile, steeped in history and associated with the memories of freedom fighters, the century-old Anandamoyee Kalibari in Siliguri celebrated the 100th year of its Dipanwita Kali Puja this year. A large number of devotees visited the temple and offered prayers.
The history of Anandamoyee Kalibari is closely associated with revolutionary minstrel poet Mukunda Das, who is believed to have played a key role in bringing the idol of Goddess Kali, carved from touchstone, from Kashi to Siliguri. According to locals, Mukunda Das organised various programmes during the freedom movement to raise funds, a portion of which was utilised for the construction of the temple.
During that period, the area surrounding Siliguri Town Station was sparsely populated. It is believed that revolutionaries arriving at the station would often take shelter at the temple. The premises also served as a centre for activities such as traditional stick-fighting and physical training, making it more than just a place of worship. The temple continues to preserve the memories of the freedom struggle alongside its religious legacy.
Although the temple has undergone structural changes over the years, efforts have been made to preserve its original traditions. Around 14 years ago, the old structure was demolished and a new temple was constructed. However, the soil from the original altar was preserved, and the idol of Goddess Kali was reinstalled on the same altar.
"We began the centenary celebrations on February 26, and the programmes will continue until February 27 next year," said Bhaskar Biswas, the General Secretary of the temple.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.