Udaypur, Singerkone, Burdwan – 713122:
In the heart of Purba Bardhaman stands one of Bengal’s oldest Durga Pujas, the Ghosh Barir Durga Puja, with a legacy spanning over 370 years and more. Locals believe that the Puja is even older than the documented history, handed down across generations as a living tradition of devotion, culture, and community.

Kumari Puja on Nabami – A Unique Tradition

While most Durga Pujas across Bengal celebrate Kumari Puja on Ashtami, the Ghosh Bari family observes it on Nabami, marking it as one of the distinctive features of this age-old festival. This ritual, worshipping a young girl as the living embodiment of the Goddess, adds both sanctity and reverence to the celebrations.

Ashtami’s Nabapatrika – A Playful Heritage

Another highlight occurs on Ashtami, when the Nabapatrika (nine fruits) are tied and placed at a special spot inside the Mandap. The tradition invites children to collect the fruits without any external support, turning it into a joyous and symbolic community ritual that connects devotion with playfulness.

Dashami’s Dadikada – Dancing in Mud and Rhythm

Perhaps the most striking attraction comes on Dashami, in a ritual called Dadikada. A mud-filled area is prepared inside the Mandap using water from the pond. As the dhak (traditional drum) beats resound, devotees and family members dance barefoot in the mud, celebrating the victory of good over evil in a rhythm both primal and deeply spiritual.

Breaking the Norms – No Sindoor Khela, Human Shoulder Immersion

Unlike most Durga Pujas, the Ghosh Bari Puja does not hold the Sindoor Khela ritual on Dashami. Instead, their tradition shines through in another extraordinary way — the idol immersion is carried out on the shoulders of men, without using carts or vehicles. This symbolic gesture emphasizes devotion, simplicity, and collective responsibility, passed down through centuries.

A Living Heritage of Bengal

As one of the oldest Durga Pujas in Purba Bardhaman, the Ghosh Barir Puja is not just an annual celebration, but a timeless saga of faith, tradition, and community pride. Its unique customs — Kumari Puja on Nabami, Nabapatrika play on Ashtami, Dashami’s Dadikada, and the shoulder-borne immersion — make it stand apart from countless other pujas across Bengal.

With its 370+ year-old legacy, the Puja continues to thrive, reminding devotees and visitors alike that Durga Puja is not just a festival, but a living heritage of Bengal’s culture and devotion.