User:Msudipta/Jagaddhatri Puja

SRI SRI BINDHYABASINI JAGADDHATRI PUJA There was a time in the long past when worship of gods and goddesses was the most sacred and essential part of life to the pious Hindus of Bengal.These people looked upon the gods and goddesses as presiding deity and invoked their blessings for the well-beingof all during worship

The -then zaminders and rich persons performed such worship at their homes, keeping the whole thing confined within the four walls. The rank and file of society had no part to play in this, nor had they any access there.

With the change of times people in general thought of worship on their own in public platform. Despite controversy about the origin of "Baroyari" puja it can be safely said Bindhyabasini Jagaddhatri puja was the first in undivided Bengal at the village Guptipara, Dist- Hooghly in the year 1759 or so , according to HOOGHLY DISTRICT GAZETTEER and WEST BENGAL DISTRICT GAZETTEER. Of course FRIENDS OF INDIA published from Serampore, Dist-Hooghly marks the first year of bindhyabasini puja at Guptipara at 1820 A.D.

According to "Chalantika" dictionary the word "Baroyari" comes from "Baropakarik", doing good for many. The puja held for the welfare of the multitude by the commoners comes to be known as "Baroyari puja" which is characterized by devotional fervour and festive feelings.

A couple of Hindu devotees of Guptipara started jointly Sri Sri Bindhyabasini Jagaddhatri puja at Bindhyabasini Tala of Guptipara in 1759 tentatively by collecting subscriptions from the villagers of Guptipara. This age-old custom of worship of goddess Bindhyabasini has been going on till to day.

These Hindu devotees did a lot of good to the posterity including all classes of people of Guptipara and its wide vicinity, regardless of caste and creed , who have been enjoying this festival every year in a happy mood of union and co-operation.

And this sense of oneness, of brotherhood among all of contemporary society goes a long way to build up integrity , solidarity and fe llow-feeling so important in present times.

We who belong to the present generation are proud of our heritage of about two hundred and fifty years of worship of goddess "Bindhyabasini Jagaddhatri".