ELEPHANT WORSHIP AT GARUMARA AND LATAGURI

By Gargi Deb (TNI Jalpaiguri) ~ Edited By Pradiptamay Saha (TNI Siliguri)

Webdesk, TNI Jalpaiguri, 19th September, 2015: Sometimes it’s Baba Mahakal, sometimes its Ganesh Baba, these are names by which the elephants are called by the people of Dooars. In the road of Lataguri which is just adjacent to the Gorumara forest, there is a place called Mahakaal Dham or Bamnidham. Here for the last few years, the elephants are being worshiped by the residents of the area in the name of Mahakaal. However, the in Gorumara forest areas like Dhupjhora, Medhla etc. the forest workers love the Kunki Elephants. In the Vishwakarma Puja day, the Kunki elephants are worshiped every year here in the name of Bahan of Lord Vishwakarma. A total of 18 kunki elephants are present under Jalpaiguri Forest Department. 13 of the elephants are working elephants. According to the Forest workers, all the elephants have their own service book. In the service book, they have the photos of the respective elephants and also the joining date. All the elephant have their retirement fixed.

Not all the Kunki Elephants are involved in elephant safari. Many elephants are involved in patrolling activities. All the Kunki Elephants are being fed, bathed, Chalked, Sandal marked, Garlanded and worshiped by the Mahuts. From the morning the grand feast is being organized. Special menus are being made for the special day. The menu includes Khichdi, Grams, and Fruits etc. In this day, Garumara was turned into a big day. On the other hand, the Lataguri Jungle also witnessed similar festivities. People were seen stopping their vehicles and witnessing the festivities. One of the Mahuts informed that this has been the tradition for quite sometimes when these Kunki elephants are being worshiped. The forest officer of Forest Department, Jalpaiguri Division informed that during Vishwakarma Puja Mahuts are given a leave and they worship the Kunki elephants to this day.

Photos: Gargi Deb (TNI)