From Royals To Sahis, Know The Story Of Cuttack’s Chandi Medha Of Chandni Chowk

Cuttack: With roots spreading as deep as 200 years, the festivities at Chandni Chowk here are a sight to behold during Durga Puja.

What makes the puja so interesting is that the offering made to the goddess on Navami, is not simply fruits or a special dish but fish. Serving fish as ‘bhog’, usually more than 500 kg, has been an age-old tradition, which started in 1817.

“There was a mrinamayee murti form (clay idol) of the goddess in a thatched house at the Asta Sambhu temple here that the Duttas (Bengali family) started worshipping and they would offer fish,” said a committee member Fakir Charan Singh, who has been associated with the Chandni Chowk Puja Committee since last 25 years.

Earlier, the Darpani royal family were engaged in ceremonial procession of Durga Puja on the temple vicinity. However, by the end of 19th century, it was converted into a sabajanin (community) puja. Around 10 localities (dusah sahis) came together.

Around 70 years ago, the Puja committee took over the reins in its hand.

What makes this puja special, is the silver filigree work. About 22 Durga mandaps in Cuttack are decorated with silver filigree work. “We started the trend at Chandni Chowk around 50 years ago. We have been reusing the ornaments and other decoratives every year. Some times, also adding new things,” said Fakir.

The goddesses are also adorned with gold ornaments like nose rings, earrings, bindia, and chokers. The idols are carved out by the artisans in Cuttack, with faces very different from the ones in Bhubaneswar or Bengal.

“The faces here are softer and plump sporting a board smile. The eyes are not very fierce as well,” said Tanmay Ranjan das, a committee member.

He said, every year when they work during these days, the feeling is beautiful. “It is so auspicious. We believe, goddess Durga is a part of our family, more like the head of our family under whom we grow up and learn,” he added.