Jalpaiguri, 18th August: The annual Manasa Puja at Baikunthapur Rajbari in Jalpaiguri marked its 517th year on Tuesday, with rituals conducted as per tradition in the presence of members of the royal family.
The puja began in the morning following traditional rituals, while a Bishari songs programme is also being organised as part of the celebrations. A large number of devotees gathered at the Rajbari from the morning to offer prayers.
The Manasa Puja is also associated with a fair at the Rajbari, which has traditionally served as a gathering place for people from different parts of the region. According to local accounts, the fair once continued for an entire month and attracted visitors from districts across West Bengal as well as Assam.
The Raj Purohit said all rituals were being conducted without any deviation from tradition and that the puja began in the morning. He said devotees from Jalpaiguri and distant areas had arrived to offer prayers.
A fair has been organised alongside the puja and will continue until August 24. Bishari songs will also be performed as part of the celebrations.