Kharibari, 15th January: The Kharibari Rakshakali Puja witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees this year, marking its 50th anniversary. Organized by the Balijhora Sarbojanin Sri Sri Rakshakali Puja Committee, the event drew thousands of people from Kharibari, Naxalbari, and even neighboring regions such as Nepal and Bihar.
The puja, which began in 1975 under the guidance of Ashwini Kumar, has grown significantly over the years. Initially, a 35-foot idol was installed for the rituals, but now, a 22-foot idol is worshipped. The night before, a special puja was held, with devotees eagerly participating in the ceremonies.
The morning of the puja saw a rush of devotees, with huge crowds flooding the area. The organizers reported that a three-day fair has also been set up in conjunction with the puja celebrations. Volunteers from the puja committee, along with local police from Kharibari Police Station, have been deployed to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the event.
With the enthusiasm and devotion continuing to grow, the organizers are expecting over 500,000 visitors during the celebrations.