Grand Celebration of Shyama Kali Puja; Kushmanda Sacrifice Performed Late at Night
Kakatpur, 31/10/2024
Report: Tushar Dixit
The grand celebration of Maa Shyama Kali’s puja was observed near the northern side of the presiding deity Maa Mangala’s temple in Kakatpur. The young servitors of Kakatpur, with the assistance of local youth groups and Vedic priests, conducted the rituals in the Dharmashala Padia starting Thursday evening. The rituals included the ceremonial bathing (snana marjana), sandalwood decoration (chandan vesha), and adorning the goddess with various ornaments.
Late at night, sacred water was fetched from the ancient river for ghata sthapana (pot installation), after which Maa Kali was invoked with devotion. Throughout the night, the Saptashati Chandi Path (recitation of sacred verses) and hom yajna (fire offerings) were performed, culminating in the offering of Kushmanda Bali (pumpkin sacrifice) to the goddess.
Hundreds of devotees gathered to witness the puja, received blessings from the goddess, and offered their prayers. The puja was conducted under the direct supervision of temple founder Rabindra Kumar Dixit. Young servitors Lipu, Kanha, Lalu, Banti, and Laki played key roles in assisting with the worship of Maa Kali.
On the following Friday, arrangements were made in the temple premises for all devotees to partake in prasada (sacred food offering). The young servitors also offered pana bhoga (a traditional offering) to the devotees on this auspicious occasion.
