Durga puja at Kamateswari temple

 

COOCH BEHAR, Oct. 16: Following the tradition of about five-century, Durga puja rituals began on last Friday at the Kamateswari temple at Gosanimari in Dinhata, Cooch Behar. As in previous years a pair of pigeons was sacrificed on Pratipad (first day of the moon's wane).

 

The Cooch Behar Debottar Trust Board is the guardian-body of the Kamateswari temple of Gosanimari. King Niladhwaj of the Khen dynasty had established the original temple. Later, Maharaja Pran Narayan of Cooch Behar rebuilt it in 1665. Once, Gosanimari was the capital of ancient Kamatapur kingdom.

 

The system of Durga puja at Kamateswari temple is different from other places. Performance of community Durga pujas generally start from Sasthi elsewhere, but at Kamateswari temple it starts on Pratipad - six days earlier than other places - like Baro Devi of Debibari and Kathhamia Devi of Madan Mohan temple complex. Another difference from others is that no idol of Durga is here for the puja. An altar inside the temple is used here for worship as a symbol of power of the Goddess. The puja will be performed till Dashami. Till Maha-Navami a pair of pigeons will be sacrificed everyday as a part of the puja ritual, as was done in earlier years.

 

Sacrifice of goats is also done on the three days from Maha-Saptami to Maha-Navami. A buffalo is sacrificed on Maha-Ashtami as at the pujas of Baro Devi and Kathhamia Devi. But, no sacrifice is done here on the Vijaya-Dashami.

 

Everyday numerous people are coming from outer places to visit the Kamateswari temple and to offer puja here. Gosanimari is now turned into a place of festival. A four-day fair will also be held here from Saptami to Dashami as in previous years. []