Birati | Nitai Malakar
A divine dream led to the establishment of the idol of Goddess Kali, marking the beginning of a remarkable tradition of devotion. More than five decades later, the Dakshina Kali Puja at the Das family home in Birati, North 24 Parganas, continues to be celebrated with unwavering faith, devotion and deep-rooted family traditions. The puja, which has been observed for nearly 56 years, stands as a symbol of spiritual belief and cultural heritage.
The tradition began in 1968 when Kartik Chandra Das, a resident of Kolkata, received a divine dream of Goddess Kali. Following the divine instruction, he purchased land in Birati and constructed a house there. While travelling from Kolkata to Birati, he came across a Kali idol placed beneath a tree, in the possession of a man. Finding a resemblance between the idol and the one he had seen in his dream, he purchased it at a stipulated price. He then installed the idol in a room of his house and began worshipping the goddess.
Two years later, in 1970, on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra, Kartik Chandra Das established a temple dedicated to Maa Dakshina Kali on his residential premises. Initially, he personally performed the worship every Amavasya (new moon night), often late at night, with the assistance of his mother. She would also prepare the bhog for the goddess with her own hands. Over time, the puja became an inseparable part of the Das family’s heritage.
As Kartik Chandra Das grew older, the regular monthly Amavasya worship was gradually replaced by special arrangements primarily on Kali Puja. However, to preserve the memory and significance of the temple’s establishment, an elaborate puja accompanied by homa and yajna is still organised every year on Rath Yatra.
At present, the daily worship and seva of the goddess are undertaken by the eldest son’s wife of the family. Other family members also actively participate in the preparations and religious rituals. On the day of Kali Puja, the Das family home witnesses a gathering of relatives, devotees and visitors. Following the completion of the rituals, bhog and prasad are distributed among the devotees.
For nearly 56 years, this traditional Dakshina Kali Puja has continued across generations, extending beyond religious rituals to become a symbol of the Das family’s faith, devotion, heritage and unity. While time and generations have changed, the family’s unwavering devotion to Maa Dakshina Kali remains intact. The puja continues to hold a special place in the hearts of devotees and remains a significant spiritual attraction in Birati.
