Bonedi Baari Puja

 

The year was 1757 just after the Battle of Plassey. Raja Naba Krishna Deb decided to celebrate Robert Clive’s victory by having a grand Durga Puja celebration. The autumn months, post monsoon, Rama praying to Shakti for victory against Ravana (akala bodhan , Durga is normally prayed to during spring, hence untimely awakening). The slaying of the demon Mahishasura and Ma with her childen joining in the pomp and pageantry, – till date, a scale unmatched anywhere in the world. It was the beginning of a cult, the beginning of a ten day celebration almost irreverent in its opulence and feasting. The priest chants mantras and one is steeped in the religiosity of the ten days. The opulence of the zamindars and the elite families all vying for attention.