Bonedi Pujoi Bishnupur

Durga Puja for us Bangalis is much more than a festival – it's a deep cultural and emotional celebration that unites us beyond boarders. Every year, in the month of Ashwin (September–October), we celebrate this five-day festival to worship Goddess Durga. All around the state, thousands of Pandals  are set up—some following traditional designs, while others are made with new and creative themes.

Durga Puja in Bishnupur is both devotional and artistic, where the joy of the festival beautifully blends with the town’s timeless history and artistic heritage. Here, the festival is not only about beautifully decorated pandals but also about old family pujas and temple rituals that have continued for generations. The sound of conch shells, the beats of the dhaak, the fragrance of incense, and most importantly, the canon firing tradition at the Rajdarbar make the atmosphere uniquely magical.

Bishnupur Rajbari:- 

The Mrinmoyee Temple, the oldest in Bishnupur, was founded by King Jagat Malla in 997 AD. Here the Puja rituals begin 15 days earlier than elsewhere. On Krishna-Navami, Boro Thakurani (Mahakali) enters the temple, followed by Mejo Thakurani (Mahalaxmi) on Chaturthi and Chhoto Thakurani (Mahasaraswati) on Shasthi. On Ashtami, Devi Bishalakshmi is placed on a silver platter, and cannons are fired nine times, a custom from King Dhari Malla’s time. On Navami, Mahamayi Devi, ‘Khachchar Bahhini,’ is worshipped. On Dashami, a painted Durga idol is immersed, while the original idol remains in the temple permanently.

Maa Mrinmoyee | Bishnupur

Bhattacharya Poribarer Pujo:- 

You might be surprised to know how the Bhattacharya family came to Bishnupur more than 420 years ago, by the king's invitation. King Bir Singha was spellbound by the music of Kamalakanta Bhattacharya at Panchkot in the 1600s and asked him to join his court, offering to bring along his family deity, during the riots in the eastern parts of undivided Bengal. They still worship a golden idol from Shasthi till Dashami, which is securely preserved by their generations. They held the first theatres in Bankura district, introducing the traditions of Rabonkata- masked streetplay on beats, depicting Ravan's death. The entire Bhattacharya family comes together to conduct this puja with devotion.

Bhattacharya Poribarer Pujo | Bishnupur

Buri Mandal Pujo:- 

This puja hosted by the Mandal family in Bishnupur’s Sakhari Bajar, is more than 380 years old. The idol worshipped here closely resembles the image of Maa Mrinmoyee. It is said that the ancestors of the Mondal family, inspired by the idols of the royal palace, created a replica in the same form and thus began this puja. Sacrificial offerings (boli) are made everyday, from Shasthi to Dashami, including the Snakehead Fish (Change Mach) on Navami. It is believed that until this ritual is completed, members of the family cannot eat fish and rice.

Buri Mandal Pujo | Bishnupur

Banerjee Durga Mandir:- 

In the heart of Sakhari Bajar, Bishnupur, this puja is over 100 years old and has been carried on for five generations. The idol is made of clay, and immersion is performed once every 12 years. For this reason, this puja is called Baroyari Pujo. It is essentially a family puja, conducted with complete devotion, discipline, and traditional rituals.

Khan Poribarer Pujo:- 

In the 1700s, the Malla kings encouraged a few significant families to start their own Durga Puja and The Khans (warriors) were one of them. The entire family from different parts of Bishnupur and beyond come together during the puja days. On Saptami’s dawn, Kala Bou (a banana plant as Ganesha’s wife), arrives on a palki (palanquin). A cultural evening, including a special Dhunuchi Nach, crowns the Navami evening.

For us Bangalis, Durga Puja is Devi Durga visitng her parental home, celebrated with unleashed fun and enjoyment. With the hype in theme pandals, the traditional charm of original Bonedi Barir Pujas is fading away. They neither get government support nor any sponsorship. With many members moving to cities for livelihood, conserving these pujas has become quite critical. The families are ready to welcome you to their family puja, chat about their history and rituals, and host you with love and devotion.

Shubho Sharodiya.