350 year Old Jagabandhu Dham’s Jagabandhu Puja is Still Highly Prevalent

Dipankar Dey

The 350-year-old Jagabandhu Dham puja is still very much prevalent at Islampur’s Sardarvita. This year the puja was celebrated its 127^th year. This puja is being organized by the people of Sardarvita, Kuilabari, Beirbari, Kanuburi, Bethbari, Maraltola and 5 other villages nearby. The Jagabandhu Dham puja is something different from the normal pujas because it is celebrated in every 3 years. The women from Matikunda arrange for the Puja with much devotion. The puja takes place just after Ambabuchi. Interestingly, all the 33 crores of Gods and Goddesses are being worshiped in this Jagabandhu Dham. All families residing in the 11 villages organizing this puja cook only vegetarian food for 8 days. Non-Veg are not allowed during these days. A mela is also organized during the puja and many outsiders along with the villagers take part in it. The septuagenarian locals cannot remember from exactly when this puja started in this place. According to them, they have seen the puja organized from their childhood days. Though all the 33 crore Gods and Goddesses are worshiped, in the main mandir Goddess Jagadhattri and Jagabandhu are being kept. On both the sides, Shiv and Kali Pratima are kept. The Sad part is that many pigeons and goats are sacrificed during the puja. As the secretary of the puja committee, Mr. Dipak Kumar Singh says “We keep no stone unturned for organizing the puja and will continue to do that”.

Photo: Dipankar Dey (TNI)