Post News Network
Bhadrak, Oct 21: Replete with an imposing statue of Goddess Durga (having 10 hands) and elaborate sankirtan rituals, Durga Puja is celebrated in a distinctive Bengali style at Baudapur in Bhadrak district.
The marked difference in the rituals has lent a unique identity to this sleepy little coastal town that comes alive every year for the Puja, drawing thousands of visitors — mostly Bengalis — from across the country and abroad.
Goddess Durga, in all her glory, is worshipped on the premises of an old building that has been the venue of the festival for many years. Celebrations kick off on ‘Saptami’ and culminate on the day of Dussehra. A ritual known as ‘sandhi puja’ is performed during the intervening period of Ashtami and Nabami, lending the festival a unique charm.
Hundreds of earthen lamps are lit by Bengali women, setting the tone for a festival that is associated with the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness.
A dance form known as Dhanuchi is performed during the festival along with sankirtans – both of which are intrinsic Bengali traditions.
Another feature of the festival that separates it from the local style is the practice of immersing Durga idols on the midnight of Dussehra, after the end of the rituals.
Subir Kumar Sinha, who belongs to Baudapur and is a regular patron of the festival, said the tradition of observing the festival in a Bengali style is being followed for several generations. “Relatives and locals from the US, UK and other parts of the world always make sure that they are here during the Durga Puja. The festival is being celebrated here for the last 200 years,” Sinha said.
“I stay in England, but I come here every year to be a part of the festivities. The Durga Puja festival is what binds our extended family and friends together,” said Silpi Sinha Sen, who hails from Baudapur and is now settled in the United Kingdom.
“The Durga Puja is the most important festival for Bengalis, and since this town has a sizeable presence of Bengalis, it is celebrated in a manner that is unique from the local style. The Sinha family bears the entire cost of the festival every year. The tradition has been alive here for generations,” said Manmathnath Bhattacharya, a local.