Kolkata: Dakshineswar temple celebrates 170th Kali Puja with grandeur and cultural showcases
Times of India | 1 November 2024
Dakshineswar temple KOLKATA: The iconic Dakshineswar Bhavatarini Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, began its 170th annual Kali Puja celebration early Thursday morning with Mangalarati, the auspicious opening ritual that ushered in a day of devotion and festivity. By dawn, thousands of devotees gathered, queuing in long lines to glimpse the goddess in her resplendent form, with the crowd only growing as the day went on.
In a unique addition to the evening celebrations, a team of female drummers performed traditional dances in front of the main temple, wielding ceremonial fans and “chamars” (fans used in temple rituals), drawing hundreds of spectators who watched in awe. Many devotees chose to stay throughout the night to take part in the festivities held in the temple’s Natmandir hall.
To ensure the event’s safety and smooth flow, nearly 200 police officers were deployed across the temple premises, with CCTV monitoring, a disaster management team stationed by the Dakshineswar ghats on the Hooghly River, and additional traffic police managing the incoming crowds. The surge of devotees stretched from Bally Bridge all the way to the Adyapith Temple.
In a nod to Bengal’s rich cultural heritage, the temple authorities introduced a showcase of local folk traditions to this year’s celebrations. Traditional instruments, women-led drumming ensembles, incense dances, oil lamp offerings, and the ritual sounds of conch shells and ululations filled the temple grounds, adding a vibrant new dimension to the festivities. “This year’s puja aims to bring Bengal’s culture to the forefront and celebrate women’s empowerment while preserving our treasured traditions,” said Kushal Choudhury, the temple's executive trustee.
The temple, resplendent with decorative lights, created a breathtaking sight for those present. A live broadcast extended the festivities to audiences across the country, capturing the spirit and cultural grandeur of Bengal. A key highlight this year was the participation of 56 women drummers, marking the first time such a performance took place in front of the main temple.
According to ritual, water for the puja was collected from the Hooghly River after the evening tide receded, with security overseen by river police and a disaster management team. Following the water collection, access to the riverbank was restricted to maintain the event’s sanctity and ensure safety.