Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
Did you know that an estimated 500,000 girls are lost each year to femicide, creating a serious gender imbalance and stereotype in society? In a society grappling with such a serious issue of female feticide, Gupta Kutir’s family in Digboy, longing and deeply fond of a daughter, through prayer and ritual, sought blessings from a maa durga for a “female child” in a world where such a wish often feels like a utopian dream. Their Durga Puja celebration became an act of devotion and a touching statement against prevailing social norms, affirming the value and power of feminine energy in their lives. By praying to Maa Durga from the first puja for the baby girl to turning 100 today, the family affirmed the belief along with reciting a message that both Shiva and Shakti create wholeness.
Located in the oil town of Digboi of Tinsukia district, the Gupta Kotir Durga Puja has a long and illustrious history dating back to 1923. Originating in Kanchanpur, Noakali, in undivided India, this celebration has its roots in the wishes of Uma Charan Duttagupta, who launched the celebrations without an idol . It was an extraordinary beginning, driven by love and hope, symbolizing the family’s desire for the girl. The first idol pooja was made possible when she was born five years later, fulfilling this ambition.
When Sachindra Mohan Duttagupta established Durga Puja in Digboi, mainly on Forest Department land, in 1941, the custom took on a new meaning. This marked the transition of the celebration from its original location to the Sawmill, which later served as the event’s current venue. In Digboy official idol worship began in 1947, but it was not until 1951 with the construction of the mandap that the puja found a permanent home.
The Gupta Kutir Durga Puja is deeply rooted in Kshatriya traditions, which is evident in the unique placement of the idols, especially those of Kartik and Ganesha. In the puja, the banana plant (kola bo) is placed next to the goddess Kartik. It is said that Kula Bo is the bride of Lord Ganesha but this mythological story is not true. Kola Bo does not represent the bride of Lord Ganesha but is the plant form of Goddess Durga. The Kola Bou is described as a life form of Maa Durga who is given a pre-dawn bath on Saptami, bathed and wrapped in a sari. This thoughtful arrangement reflects the family’s reverence for their heritage and the meaning they attach to honoring the deities in a way that resonates with the customs of their ancestors.
Although buffalo sacrifices used to be part of the festival, this custom was abandoned about 45 years ago due to a change in public opinion and increased awareness of animal welfare. Several goats are now presented in place of the original sacrifice, symbolizing the evolution of the ritual and devotion to the moral activities of Shakti Puja. Following the Tantras, which state that Shakti Puja requires providing the deity with some kind of meat offering, Gupta’s Puja on Maha Astami used to witness a large number of animal sacrifices; However, these days, the offerings were reduced to just one goat. Using family-specific mantras during the rituals is one of the unique features of the Gupta Kotir Durga Puja.
Organizing the Durga Puja has always been a collaborative effort among the family members. Despite the lack of official trust, the Gupta family embodies a spirit of unity and cooperation. Every year, when the festival approaches, they convene a meeting to prepare a budget. This gathering serves as an opportunity for members of the extended family, both from within the country and outside of it, to contribute to the celebration in splendor and gaiety.
The Durga Puja at Gupta Kutir has now become more than just a religious observance; It serves as a reminder of the values ​​passed down through the generations. When they gather to pray and celebrate, the family not only honors their ancestors but also holds cultural programs and games, and the women of the family play duck.
(The author is an attorney, Faculty of Law Studies and author of “Pastels and Hell”)
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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