Revisiting Durga Puja with Goddess Jagadhatri

If there’s anything more popular than the roshogullas and puchkas of Kolkata, it is the spectacular Durga Puja celebrations, which keep the fish and mustard loving badharoloks enthralled. But very few people outside of Bengal and perhaps Odisha are aware of yet another similar event, the Jagadhatri Puja, which takes place a month later. This ten-day extravaganza gains pace towards the last three or four days when the celebrations are at their peak. This year, the saptmi (the seventh day) to dashmi (the tenth day) celebrations are scheduled to take place from November 9. The puja is particularly popular in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, especially in Chandannagar, Rishra, and Howrah as well as in Kolkata city.

Beautiful pandals can be found galore during the Jagadhatri Puja Pujas & Pandals

Goddess Jagadhatri is said to be a calmer and more serene incarnation of fierce Goddess Durga. She is usually depicted as a four-handed goddess bearing a conch, bow, chakra and a five-pronged arrow, sitting on a tiger. Just like the exceedingly popular Durga Puja celebrations of Kolkata in West Bengal, Goddess Jagadhatri’s presence on earth is marked by ten days of festivities. Hundreds of magnificent pandals are set up with beautiful idols of the goddess, some of which are nearly 30 feet high. Decorated with the characteristic red chunni and adorned with a beautiful crown, sparkling jewels and a benign expression, the goddess is said to have been celebrated in this form since the 18^th century.

The pandals are the main attraction for the devotees and one can easily spend days visiting each one of them in Chandannagar. Set up by various clubs, committees and societies, there are morning and evening aartis where thousands come to offer their prayers.

Several cultural events are organised alongside the famous Rabindra Sangeet, with traditional songs and dances being the main highlights. While this is yet another occasion for Bengalis to get together with family and friends, fast, feast and throw parties, it is also a time of great religious significance. Pandal hopping to offer prayers as well as flowers, coconuts, incense and sweetmeats is at its peak from saptami, and lasts till navami (the ninth day). Dashmi marks the end of the celebrations after which the images of the goddess are carried in grand processions for immersion in the Hooghly.

Devotees enjoying themselves during the famous Jagadahtri Mela Jagadhatri Mela

The Jagadhatri Puja is also popular in the state of Odisha. Observed with immense fervor, its special attraction is the famous Jagadahtri Mela (fair) held in the Mayurbhanj district, and draws large crowds, quite similar to the Jagannath Yatra in Puri. The mela comprises hundreds of stalls set up by locals as well as visitors from the states of West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand and are laden with specialties. Another magnificent attraction is the recreation of world famous structures and buildings. From the famous Taj Mahal of Agra and the Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, to the romantically doomed ship Titanic and even a replica of Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Hotel have all had their moment of glory here.

If you regret having missed the Durga Puja celebrations, here’s your chance to witness the Jagadhatri Puja So, book your flights and hotels only on MakeMyTrip.com.