By Ranita Sinha, Kolkata
Bishnupriya Manipuri Awakening Society, Kolkata, on 4th of July 2008, for the fifth consecutive year, celebrated Sri Sri Jagannath Prabhu Rath Jatra at the residence of Sri Kunjo Singha at Bagher Khol, kolkata, with full devotion and enthusiasm. Instead, being on a weekday, over 100 devotees attended to mark the occasion. Community people from Durgapur, Guwahati, Silchar and Dhanbad also attended.
The day started with the deities-Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, being taken out from the altar by the Brahmin and putting them on the colorfully decorated Rath(chariot/kaang) amidst a ritual procession of Hari Naam being chanted by the devotees followed by Arati.
Later, men and women of all ages, flanked by Bishnupriya Manipuri traditional attires and not to forget the Namsha put by all, the Kaang was drawn, with the Dakulas and Isalpas leading the procession by chanting Hari Naam and other devotional songs. At many places, Dhol Chalan was also performed by the young BM boys and girls led by Bibhul Sinha from Guwahati, which made the procession more colorful and authentic. The people who flocked at the roadsides to have a glimpse of the procession were later seen joining it and also at many places, the chariot was stopped by the people to make offerings to the deities.
Later, men and women of all ages, flanked by Bishnupriya Manipuri traditional attires and not to forget the Namsha put by all, the Kaang was drawn, with the Dakulas and Isalpas leading the procession by chanting Hari Naam and other devotional songs. At many places, Dhol Chalan was also performed by the young BM boys and girls led by Bibhul Sinha from Guwahati, which made the procession more colorful and authentic. The people who flocked at the roadsides to have a glimpse of the procession were later seen joining it and also at many places, the chariot was stopped by the people to make offerings to the deities.
After an hours procession the Rath was brought back to the place of Pali, where the Senda Arati was performed followed by the Joidev. In the Joidev most of the devotees irrespective of age and gender participated with full enthusiasm, which took the ambiance of pali at a village malthep. The occasion was made more special by the presence of Smt. Kalavati Devi and Bimbavati Devi.
Along with the Joidev traditional Manipuri dance performances and Dhol Chalan were presented by the students of Smt Kalavati Devi and Sri Kunjo Singha followed by Bimbavati Devi's Thabal Chongba.
At the end Prasadam (Khechuri, labra, khar, brinjal fry, papad fry, tak, kheer and sweets) was served to all. The Prasadam was, prepared by Bibhul Sinha and Meera Singha. It was the selfless effort of Sri Nirmal Sinha, Kunja Singha, Bibhul Sinha and Meera Singha that made the occasion a grand success.
On 12th of July 08 again Phira Rath will be celebrated at the same venue. All are cordially invited to attend the occasion and make it a success.
Along with the Joidev traditional Manipuri dance performances and Dhol Chalan were presented by the students of Smt Kalavati Devi and Sri Kunjo Singha followed by Bimbavati Devi's Thabal Chongba.
At the end Prasadam (Khechuri, labra, khar, brinjal fry, papad fry, tak, kheer and sweets) was served to all. The Prasadam was, prepared by Bibhul Sinha and Meera Singha. It was the selfless effort of Sri Nirmal Sinha, Kunja Singha, Bibhul Sinha and Meera Singha that made the occasion a grand success.
On 12th of July 08 again Phira Rath will be celebrated at the same venue. All are cordially invited to attend the occasion and make it a success.
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Thanks for giving us the update on BM Kang celebration in Kolkata. It was really nice to learn that our great exponents Kalavati and Bimbavati were present in the occasion. Missed Bimbavati's Thabal Chongba badly.
ReplyDeleteVery much informative article and knowledgeable too...Actually while reading this article i m feeling like...Every thing is moving in front of my eyes. I mean that celebration and Rath yatra...And I m doing Jai of Bhagwan ji.....So God Bless You..And Jai Jagannath ji
ReplyDeleteJust now I have reached home from Radha kund, Mathura, after jointly offered khechurir Palee, with Delhities there in Shri Shri Radha Madhavjiu Mandir.Shri Kajal kanti Sinha and Shri Mohan Singh Coudhuri, were the reps. of Delhi and I myself was the lone rep.from Mumbai.Anyway I was expecting Smt.Ranita would come up with Kolkata Rath Yatra celebration in any moment and she did it.Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ranita,keep giving
us such type of topics in near future also.