Do you know that an estimated 500,000 girls are lost to female foeticide each year, creating a serious gender imbalance and stereotype in society? In a society gripped with such a serious issue of female foeticide, the family of Gupta Kutir in Digboi with a profound yearning and affection for a daughter, through prayer and ritual, sought blessings from Maa Durga for a “female child” in a world where such a wish often feels like a utopian dream. Their celebration of Durga Puja became an act of devotion and a touching statement against the prevailing societal norms, affirming the value of and the strength of feminine energy in their lives. By praying to Maa Durga from the first puja for a baby girl to being 100 years old today the family affirmed faith along with voicing out a message, that both Shiv and Shakti together create wholeness.
Located in the Tinsukia district's Digboi oil township, the Gupta Kutir Durga Puja has a lengthy and illustrious history that dates back to 1923. Originating in Kanchanpur, Noakhali, in undivided India, the roots of this celebration lie in the desires of Uma Charan Duttagupta, who launched the festivities without an idol. It was an unusual beginning, motivated by love and hope, signifying the family's desire for a girl. The first idol puja was made possible when a daughter was born five years later, fulfilling this ambition.
When Sachindra Mohan Duttagupta instituted the Durga Puja in Digboi, notably on the grounds of the forest department, in 1941, the custom took on a new meaning. This signalled the celebration's move from its original location to a sawmill, which later served as the event's present location. In Digboi, official idol worship began in 1947, but it wasn't until 1951 with the construction of a mandap that the puja found a permanent home.
The Gupta Kutir Durga Puja is deeply rooted in Kshatriya traditions, which are evident in the unique positioning of the idols, particularly those of Kartik and Ganesh. In the puja, the banana plantain (Kola Bou) is placed beside Goddess Kartik. It has been said that Kola Bou is Lord Ganesha’s bride but this mythical story does not hold true. Kola Bou does not represent the bride of Lord Ganesha rather it is the plant form of Goddess Durga. The Kola Bou is depicted as a life form of Maa Durga who is given a pre-dawn bath on Saptami, bathed and draped in a saree. This thoughtful arrangement reflects the family's reverence for their heritage and the significance they place on honouring the deities in a manner that resonates with their ancestral customs.
Although buffalo sacrifices were formerly a part of the festival, this custom was abandoned about 45 years ago due to a change in public opinion and an increasing awareness of animal welfare. A few goats are now presented in place of the original sacrifice, signifying the ritual's evolution and a dedication to moral Shakti Puja activities. Following the tantras, which state that Shakti Puja necessitates providing the deity with some sort of meat offering, the Gupta Kutir puja on Maha Asthami used to witness a large number of animal sacrifices; however, these days, the offerings have been reduced to just one goat. Using family-specific mantras during the rites is one of the Gupta Kutir Durga Puja's unique characteristics.
The organisation of the Durga Puja has always been a collaborative effort among family members. Despite the absence of a formal trust, the Gupta family embodies a spirit of unity and cooperation. Each year, as the festival approaches, they convene a meeting to prepare a budget. This gathering serves as an opportunity for extended family members, both from within the state and beyond, to contribute to the celebration with pomp and gaiety.
The Durga Puja at Gupta Kutir has become more than just a religious observance now; it serves as a reminder of the values that have been passed down through generations. As they gather to worship and celebrate, the family not only honours their ancestors but also conducts cultural programmes, and games, and women of the family play dhak.
(The writer is an Advocate, Legal Studies Faculty, and Author “Of Pastels and Inferno”)