Balurghat, Nov. 2 -- The zamindari system collapsed long ago, but the 210-year-old Kali Puja in South Dinajpur's Gangarampur block's Sairapur village continues to preserve its rich heritage. What originally began as a secret ritual by dacoits, has evolved into the celebrated Sairapur Sarbajanin Kali Puja, uniting the entire village in celebration.
According to local folklore, a gang of dacoits worshipped sacred stones as Goddess Kali before night raids. The covert worship caught the attention of the local zamindar, Dhrubanath Das Pal, who decided to organise the festival on a grand scale.
Sudipto Das, Puja committee president and a descendant of the zamindar family, shared: "Since ours was a Vaishnav family, we could not directly perform Kali Puja. The responsibility was handed to the Mondals-the traditional artisan family tasked with crafting the deity."
Ancient customs remain untouched. On Lakshmi Puja, the wooden framework is taken to the Mondal residence, where artisans sculpt the idol. Historically, dense surrounding forests made it difficult for the women of the zamindar household to travel to the shrine. To facilitate their worship, villagers carried the newly-crafted idol on their shoulders to the zamindar mansion first for prayers, gold adornment and ritual offerings. Only then was the idol brought to the main pandal-a unique shoulder-carrying tradition that villagers faithfully maintain even today.
Additionally, family lineage priests have conducted the sacred rituals across generations. Animal sacrifice also remains integral, with goats offered by both the committee and devotees on fulfillment of prayers.
The festivities conclude the following day with a massive fair, serving as a major homecoming event, followed by late-night immersion in the temple pond.
What began under feudal patronage is today a vibrant community festival entirely managed and cherished by the villagers.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.