Jalpaiguri, 22nd October: The festive spirit of Durga Puja continued along the banks of the Teesta in Jalpaiguri even after the celebrations ended on Dashami. On Ekadashi, residents of Barnish in Maynaguri once again gathered to worship Goddess Durga in her Bandhani form. The puja, which dates back more than 500 years, attracts a large number of devotees every year.
According to local folklore, more than five centuries ago, on the night of Bijoya Dashami, Goddess Durga was returning to Mount Kailash when she responded to the calls of local cowherds and took shelter with her family on the banks of the Teesta. At the time, the area was covered in dense forests, and tigers were reportedly seen roaming the Teesta riverbed even during the day.
Legend has it that after spending the night at a local farmer’s house, the goddess accepted worship on the morning of Ekadashi. Villagers offered whatever they could, including pigeons and goats. After accepting the offerings, the goddess is believed to have departed for Mount Kailash that night.
According to local belief, the region’s grain stores flourished from that year onwards. Since then, Goddess Durga has been worshipped here as Bandhani, and the tradition has continued for more than five centuries.
Devotees began gathering at the Bandhani Puja venue from Ekadashi morning. Many offered pigeons and goats in the hope of having their wishes fulfilled. Worship and rituals continued throughout the day, while a fair added to the festive atmosphere in the area.
The centuries-old puja remains an important part of the religious traditions and folk culture of Barnish. The worship concludes at night with the immersion of the ritual pot, marking the end of the Bandhani Puja celebrations.
