Assam: 400 year old Durga Puja festivities begin in Dhubri's Gauripur Zamindar Bari

The grandeur of the Zamindari estates may have lost their sheen over time, but the spirit of Durga Puja has not changed. It is said that 400 years ago during the 16th century, Durga Puja first began to be celebrated at the Gauripur Zamindar Bari in Dhubri district of Assam.

The people of Gauripur also offer prayers and services by participating in the Durga Puja of Gauripur Mahamaya Temple by providing help and cooperation to the members of the Gauripur royal family in this regard.

At present, under the guidance of Prabir Baruah, president of the Gauripur Mahamaya Temple Management Committee, and a member of the royal family, the traditions of the bygone era are still being kept alive even today.

The historic Durga Puja was shifted from Rangamati to Gauripur by King Pratap Chandra Barua of Gauripur in 1850. At that time, the king brought the 'Kul Devi' (clan goddess) with him. Although Mahamaya is worshipped as Kul Devi throughout the year in Gauripur, goddess Durga has been worshipped since then at an auspicious time in the autumn season.

A day after Mahalaya, the Zamindar's family priest today performed the rituals of Durga Puja for the worship of Goddess Durga, including the family members of Zamindar, and also took out a rally from Maa Mahamaya temple complex in Gauripur to the Durga Mandir at Mahamaya field.

The ten-day long festival honouring Goddess Durga, which is brought in by the pleasant autumn breeze, has begun with this small ceremony in Gauripur.

For years, the Gauripur Zamindar Bari continued to uphold the tradition and this historic estate even today continues to offer a glimpse into the past. As the years pass by and urbanisation alters the landscape, these traditions are more than a celebration; they are living testament to a heritage that refuses to fade.