Ritual- -
Just before the day of Annapurna Puja, the Devi Idol is
brought from its creator Shre Dhramdas Pal & family of
Kumartuli since 1962.
The drum-beats are an integral part of the Annapurna
Puja. This special variety of the drum, known as 'Dhak,'
enthralls the hearts of the premise with its majestic
rhythm right from the day before Puja and continues to
charm the environment throughout the puja days.
Abahan” starts from day before Puja. “Bilwabaran”
Another very beautiful custom performed by the priest at
dusk on day before Puja, is 'Bodhan'. The image of the
Goddess, crafted with care, and made of clay, is not yet
regarded divine. It is this peculiar, yet highly
meaningful practice that makes the worship of the
Goddess so unique and awe-inspiring.
Holy water from Ganges is collected before the Pujas and
is stored in big earthen pots and is kept in thakur Ghar.
Holy water is used to prepare the blessed meal (Bhog for
Goddess) during the puja day.
As a ritual, the place where “Bhog” is prepared is
considered sacred and hence naughty children are
restricted from entering, even elders are not allowed to
speak in that region. Sacredness was maintained in such
a way.
Another signifying feature of this puja is “Arghya”, The
Arghya comprises of 108 grains, 108 malts and 108 durbas,
tied up with red thread in a special way. The separation
of the grains and malts are done on the previous night
of the puja.
After Bilwabaran, comes “adhibaas”. As the idol of the
pratima is surrounded on its four sides with holy red
thread.
On the day of puja, for every alternate four years one
of the members of the family initiates (Sankolpo) the
puja with the help of Thakur Mahasaya chanting mantras.
After that Maa Annapurna & Narayan Shila is made to bath
with holy water and the bathing water becomes sacred and
is known as “Charanamrito”, followed by the process of
garlanding (Mallyadan) Maa Annapurna with 108 Lotus, 108
Bel leaves, 108 Joba, 108 Aporajiata and others followed
by the process of “bastra prodan”to all the
idols(offering saree , dhuti, ghamcha etc), then we
offer ”Naibidhya” with fruits, rice, ghee, honey and
sweets present on eight plates. Throughout the whole
process another thakur moshai continues to carry on with
“Chandi Paath”.
Then comes the process of first “Aarati” for Saptami
followed by the process of “Pushpanjali” where all the
guests and family member offers homage to the goddess
and wish that all their prayers be heard by Maa
Annapurna.
Once the pushpanjali is over, “Bikhadan” where we the
petty creatures of mother earth beg for prosperity and
riches like lord shiva who did the same as fabled.
The Goddess is worshipped in various forms during her
stay here. One of those forms is the "Kumari", the
Virgin form and “sadaba” (married women) in a pay paying
tribute to womenhood.
After the Kumari puja, Bhog is offered to maa which is
prepared by the women of the house., followed by the
“Sandhe puja” marking the ending of Saptami and
representing the dawn of Asthami by lighting of 108
diyas(prodip).
After this “HOM JOGGO” is carried by which we offer our
prayers to the Agnee Devta(God of fire). Followed by the
showering of “Shanti jol” on the devotees which marks
the end of the morning puja.
In the afternoon all the members of the family and the
guests relish on the delicious dishes and bhog followed
by the distribution of Khichuri, Payash etc to the local
underprivileged people(Doridro narayan seva).
In the evening, Sandhay Puja or ”sheetal” is given to
Maa with Rabri and sweets followed By Aarati .
After that there is a wide range of varieties in the
menu starting from “Luchi, alur dom, Different Bhaja,
vegetable curry, Chatni and sweets for the guest and
Family members.
On the next day of Puja –Priest (thakur mahasaya) cuts
the holy thread demarking 'Dashami,' In the evening the
Idol is immersed in Ganges carried by Lorri with all
family members. The water, garlands and the flowers of
the Devi Ghot is immersed in water and fresh water is
gathered in the Ghot and is kept in the Thakur dalan for
next seven days. Thakur Mahayasaya sprinkles this Holy
water as “Shantir-Jal.”
