বাংলায় পড়ুন
Today, let’s take a journey down Josho Road. Amidst centuries-old banyan trees and a softly dappled path, you’ll stumble upon Shiva Mandir. Cross it, and you’ll encounter a 300-year-old relic—the Bidrohi Durga temple.
The finishing touches are being put on the idol. What catches your eye now is a different visage of the goddess, surrounded by dense greenery and dusty trails, steeped in numerous traditions and histories.
One of the earliest civilizations on Earth thrived along the banks of the Indus River. Among its key centres were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. It was in the discovery of Mohenjo-Daro that Rakhal Das Banerjee, a visionary, was intricately involved.
Legend has it that Durga Pujo commenced at this temple in Bangan village, six miles from Baharampur, under Gourhari Banerjee’s guidance. He was not only a landlord but also a scholar.
It is said that Gourhari started Durga Pujo after having a vision. The idol he envisioned in his dream is what the temple idol is based on today.
Now, let’s delve into the uniqueness of Banerjee’s family temple. It’s the hands. While Durga has two human hands, the remaining eight resemble a cat’s paw. Hence the name ‘Biralhaati Durga’.
From Chandi Tala, right next to the Durga temple, Ghat Pujo commences. Ancient rituals continue with reverence, and the idol’s immersion happens after Dashami. However, the family members wait patiently until the evening for her farewell.
It’s worth mentioning that the idol’s immersion takes place in the Naovhanga River behind the house when the evening sky is painted with twilight hues.
Though the grandeur of Banerjee’s family Pujo has diminished over time, the enthusiasm for this centuries-old tradition and the desire to witness Ma Durga remain unaltered in the hearts of every villager.
