Chamunda Kali Puja, Hili | BPC Photo Walk Update | Anwesha Mahata
The Majestic Chamunda Kali Puja:
A Vibrant and Vivid
Convocation in Hili, Dakshin Dinajpur.
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| © Aninko Acharjee | Hili | 2023 |
On 13 May, '23, I, Anwesha Mahata, went out on a BPC
special photo walk with Aninko Dadabhai and other folks at dusk to encounter the
exhilarating celebration of Shri Shri Chamunda Kali Puja. Reaching there, I
witnessed the fervour and devotion during the auspicious occasion of Chamunda
Kali Puja. Amidst the serene surroundings, this grand festival captivates local
residents and visitors with its alluring rituals, mesmerizing
performances and colourful festivities.
This blog will take you on a journey through the magnificent
celebration of this Hindu festival in Hili, where devotees gather to pay homage
to the fierce and benevolent goddess, Chamunda Kali.
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| © Aninko Acharjee | Hili | 2023 |
The Significance of Chamunda Kali Puja:
Chamunda Kali Puja holds immense significance in Hindu
mythology and is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a manifestation of Goddess
Durga. Chamunda is revered as the embodiment of strength, protection and
destruction of evil forces. The festival celebrates her victory over the demon
kings Chanda and Munda, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
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| © Subhradeep Sarkar | Hili | 2023 |
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| © Anwesha Mahata | Hili | 2023 |
The highlight of Chamunda Kali Puja Mela was the bustling fair that accompanied the religious ceremonies. As dusk descended, I perceived that the fairgrounds came alive with a multitude of stalls offering a myriad of attractions. From traditional handicrafts, clothes and jewellery to delicious street food, the fair catered to every visitor's interests and taste buds. I felt full-fledged as I somehow captured these glorious moments of joy and celebration through my lens. Furthermore, in the temple ambit, "Bhaktas" chant sacred mantras and prayers in the presence of the deity, followed by the offering of flowers, fruits, incense sticks and sweets to Chamunda Kali Maa as a token of their devotion. They (Bhaktas) with a stick on their hands and a towel on their shoulders danced as a form of enjoyment where a masquerade named "Mukha Naach" performed enthusiastically. Thereafter, they departed for a bath in the holy water of Yamuna River, Hili and then came back to the temple area for "Aagun Khela" where all the Bhakts with kerosene and ring-attached-stick participated. This was a major attraction for me as I witnessed it for the first time. I met and got to know an abundance of traditions and history from the local community and one could sense an ambience of a delightful fusion of spirituality and entertainment.
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| © Aninko Acharjee | Hili | 2023 |
The
Chamunda Kali Puja Mela in Hili, Dakshin Dinajpur, is a dazzling amalgamation
of spirituality, cultural richness and community celebration. This enchanting
festival brings together people from far and wide to experience the blazing
rituals, diverse performances and rapturous atmosphere. As we immerse
ourselves in the festivities, we can witness the deep-rooted traditions and the
unwavering devotion of the Bhaktas, making Chamunda Kali Puja Mela, an event of
profound liveliness.
Every photographer who happened to be in Hili
during this auspicious time flourished and managed to capture a bunch of
picturesque photos.
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© Sougata Mohanta | Hili | 2023 |
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| Team BPC |
✍ Anwesha Mahata for BPC, 23 May 2023.
In this edition of the BPC update, Anwesha Mahata takes over
the BPC blog to talk about the Special Photo Walk held on May 13, 2023, at the Chamunda Kali Temple, Hili, Dakshin Dinajpur. Photographs were contributed by the members of the
collective.
We invite you to walk with us at the weekend. Membership is absolutely free, forever!
Let's bond over a cup of tea. We are the Beltala Park
Collective, and we love everything about photography.
Peace. ❤
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