Top 10 Chandannagar Jagadhatri Puja 2024 : Full Map Guide

The origins of Jagadhatri Puja in Chandannagar remain largely unknown. It is thought that Indranarayan Chowdhury brought the Jagadhatri Puja tradition to Chandannagar, likely influenced by Raja Krishnachandra’s celebrations in Krishnanagar.. However, records show that Krishnachandra began observing Jagadhatri Puja around 1762, while Indranarayan passed away in 1756, suggesting the tradition in Chandannagar predates 1750. Indranarayan likely hosted the puja privately at his home, during a period when Krishnachandra reportedly visited him to seek financial assistance. This may have been when Krishnachandra was inspired by Jagadhatri’s magnificence.

In terms of ritual distinctions, the Mayatantra outlines the differences between Durga and Jagadhatri, and references to Jagadhatri as an aspect of Durga appear in Krishnananda’s Tantrasaar. Krityatattarnab, a text by 15th-16th century scholar Srinath Acharyachuramoni, also details the specific rituals for worshiping the goddess on the ninth lunar day of the Kartick month. The four-armed goddess, depicted with large, elongated eyes, holds a conch, discus, bow, and arrow, and is depicted riding a lion that stands over an elephant. The idol in Chandannagar is notably adorned with shola (traditional thermocol-like material) decorations and backed by intricately painted mats.

Today, there are over 190 community pujas in Chandannagar, Bhadreswar, and Champdani, with 132 committees in Chandannagar and Bhadreswar affiliated with the Chandannagar Central Jagadhatri Puja Committee. The central committee aids these groups in obtaining necessary permissions and resources for the festivities. The grand immersion procession, where beautifully decorated images of the goddess are carried through the city on trucks, attracts thousands of participants and spectators, making it a memorable and impressive event.