Debi’s puja still continues
Statesman news Service
JALPAIGURI, Nov. 6: Legend has it Debi Choudhurani the bandit queen of the famous ‘Sanyasi Movement’ period in the 19th century had established the Kali temple here. It is also said that she and her mentor Bhabani Pathak used to offer puja to the goddess at this temple. The legend goes on and the puja is still held at this temple under the age-old huge banyan tree.
Gone are the days of the dacoits and the Kali puja is now organised by a committee formed for the Kalipuja in Devi Chowdhurani Kali Mandir of Jalpaiguri. The puja is a major attraction for all in the region and hundreds flock to worship the goddess at this temple.
As the myth goes, Debi Choudhurani used to distribute goods looted from the rich among the poor irrespective of caste creed or community. In keeping with the spirit, people cutting across all community attend the Kali puja here to pay their respect and seek blessings.
Looted goods are not distributed from the temple anymore, but the idea of helping people continues and so, the temple authorities run a charitable clinic for the poor supporting them with medicine along side a free coaching service for local poor local students.
