Rajganj, 02nd January: Devotees gathered in large numbers at Baikunthapur forest for the Bonodurga Puja. From early Friday morning, people arrived at the Bonodurga Temple near Chander Khal at Delhivita, deep inside the forest, located not far from Farabari in Rajganj, to offer prayers and seek blessings.
The permanent temple, situated in the dense forest, followed ancient rituals and traditions for the puja, which was held late at night. Devotees from nearby and distant places came to have darshan of the goddess, offer vows, and participate in prayers.
This puja is associated with a long-standing tradition and history. It is said that Devi Chaudhurani and Bhavani Pathak have memories linked to this site, which is also mentioned in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Devi Chaudhurani. Earlier, Thunthunia Maa Puja was performed here, but over time it became widely known as Bonodurga Puja.
Raju Saha, on behalf of the Shri Shri Maa Bonodurga Puja Committee, said that this puja, closely tied to the faith and belief of the people, is observed every year on the full moon of the Poush month. This year marks the 45th year of Bonodurga Puja. Devotees began arriving from early morning. He added that from this evening, entry to the temple will be restricted, but the temple will reopen for devotees the next day and prasad will be distributed.
To manage the large number of devotees, the Puja Committee, along with the administration, has put in place strict arrangements. As in previous years, the committee expects a significant number of devotees throughout the day.