As the morning arrives in Malopara, Krishnanagar, the soft sunlight spills over the rooftops and narrow lanes. The smell of flowers and burning incense floats in the air. It is Navami, the sacred day of Jagadhatri Puja.
Before the day starts, a special ritual takes place, named Jol Sawa. It begins at dawn, when men dress as women and walk to the Jalangi river. They carry earthen pots and flowers in their hands. As they walk, they sing songs that invite the river to join the celebration. The Jalangi is not only a river for them. She is considered to be a living goddess. The men fill their pots and return. This brings the spirit of the river back to the village.
Later in the afternoon, the heart of the celebration begins – Dhuno Porano. This ritual is for the women. It is their offering of faith, patience and courage.
In the courtyard, a woman sits before the idol of the goddess. Her body is wrapped in layers of wet cotton cloth from head to toe. Around her, people gather in silence. The air feels thick with devotion.
Three small earthen bowls called malshas are placed carefully, one on her head and one on each hand. The bowl rests on lumps of wet clay. Inside them, dhuno glows as it burns. The white smoke rises slowly, curling into the warm morning light. The woman sits still. The wet cloth keeps her safe, but it is her faith that gives her the required strength.
The fire burns close to her, yet she does not flinch. The crowd watches in awe. The smoke fills the space, wrapping the moment in silence and prayer. People believe that the fire purifies the air and the smoke carries their wishes to the goddess.
Dhuno Porano has been part of Malopara’s Jagadhatri Puja for generations. Every year, people from the nearby villages come to witness it. The ritual is more than tradition. It is a symbol of strength, belief and surrender.
As the flames rise and the smoke drifts across the sky, the drums beat softly. The goddess comes close – watching, listening, and smiling at the devotion that stills shines high in the lanes of Malopara.