Chandernagore’s rich history of Jagaddhatri Puja, the traditions, its history and the palpable fervour over the five days of celebrations highlights the spirit and heritage of the town. As the place decks up in its famed luminosity, My Kolkata introduced you to the five major Jagaddhatri baroari pujos around Chandernagore.
Bagbazar
The idol at the Bagbazar puja pandal
One of the oldest pujas in Chandannagar, Bagbazar’s Jagaddhatri Puja is known for its grandeur, opulence and tradition. Standing tall at the centre of Chandannagar, Bagbazar is also known for its grand immersion procession and thematic illumination. 2023 marks 189 years of Bagbazar’s iconic Jagaddhatri Puja.
Barabazar
The idol and the pandal at the Barabazar puja
Saumajit Roy KarmakarA five-minute walk from Bagbazar, Barabazar stands as one of the most established baroaris in Chandannagar. Standing at 61 years, Barabazar’s attraction is in its splendid opulence and lights, along with a delectable range of food counters and restaurants along the road, making it one of the hotspots in Chandannagar during Jagaddhatri Puja.
Chaulpotti
The Adi Maa at Chaulpotti dates back to the 18th century
Dating back to the early years of the 18th century, Chaulpotti’s Adi Maa is the oldest and the most revered pujo in Chandernagore. It is said that the Puja was started by the then commercial agent of the French East India Company, Indranarayan Chowdhury, who later became the dewan of Chandannagar. Presently, Laxmigunj Bazar, Chaulpatti (belonging to the rice producers) used to be the largest rice market in southern Bengal. Noted for its signature style, continuing tradition of mystical reverence and animal sacrifices and pristine grandeur, Chaulpotti continues to be a primary attraction.
Tetultala Gourhati
The Tetultala puja
At the centre of this 231-year-old Jagaddhatri Pujo in Bhadreshwar is a tantric heritage in its worship of this form of Shakti. Like Chaulpatti, Tetultala’s Buri Maa continues with its ritual of animal sacrifice standing on its historic fervour of the pujo and its revered traditions. Thousands throng the open temple premises on Nabami to offer a puja or catch a glimpse of the goddess. Tetultala is also known for its food stalls and fair-rides that take place on the grounds adjacent to the temple premises.
Photokgora
The ‘daaker saaj’ at Photokgora
A five-minute walk from Chandernagore railway station, Photokgora stands as the most important baroari on the station road. Also noted for its height, spell-binding shaaj and grandeur, Photokgora’s 71-year-old puja is one of the most venerated and opulent Pujas in Chandannagar with a rich history of traditions and light craftsmanship.
