Rajganj, 23rd October: Preparations have commenced for the traditional Kali Puja at Sannyasikata Kutab Gachh, which is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year. This historic puja includes the practice of animal sacrifice.
Reportedly, before the partition of India, this Kali Puja was held in the Shalbahan area of Panchagarh, in Bangladesh, including a fair. After the partition, many Hindus migrated to this side of the border, while the temple remained in the other country.
A local resident reportedly received a divine message in a dream to bring the deity to that location. This led to the establishment of the temple in the area. Since then, the puja and fair have been celebrated in Kutab Gachh for the past 75 years.
As in previous years, this year’s Kali Puja festivities will include a fair on Saturday and Sunday. The event attracts a large crowd from both Hindu and Muslim communities. In addition to attendees from Rajganj, many people from the Darjeeling district’s Phansidewa block also participate in the celebrations. This year, cultural programs and a day of folk music performances have also been scheduled alongside the puja.