Durga in Churaman is symbol of communal harmony

A traditional Bengali Durgapuja with a history of contribution from both the Hindu and Musalman community? We have to go to Churaman Zamindari Estate in the district of Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal. The Zamindari estate presumably came into existence in 18^th century while the first landlord Ghanashyam Chowdhury was served under of Bengal Nawab Aliwardi Khan. His descendants took the title “Roychowdhury”.

History:

The Zamindar JagatBallabh Roychowdhury was the founder of this Puja. Legend is, the land for his Durga temple was donated by the Bengal Nawabs. The zamindars had built many temples as well as dargah of a Pir in this area. The original Durga temple sank into the local Marasuin river after a large landslide. The royal palace and the temple had to be rebuilt in Durgapur area. But the villagers from both communities participated with same enthusiasm once again.

Rituals:

The Puja starts by setting a Ghat, the sacred water vessel on the New moon day that is called Mahalaya in Bengali calendar. All the temple and the dargah is cleaned and decorated this time. The Goddess is not offer rice here. Even salt and turmeric is prohibited in her food. In the old days, a buffalo was sacrificed on Nabami day. Later buffalo was replaced by goat. Recently animal sacrifice is stopped. The Moulavi from the dargah takes part in the puja rituals.

And the celebration:

However a bigger celebration starts with a village fair on Dashami the immersion day. But festival is inaugurated by hoisting a flag on the roof of the Pir Dargah. Bangali cultural  programs like Jatra and folksongs are integral part of this village fair. Once this Zamindar family had contributed in growing the folk cultural tradition in this area; the descendants are trying to maintain the same even after losing the material wealth they had those days.