Jagaddhatri Puja holds a special place in Bengal’s religious and cultural landscape, especially among the bonedi 
(aristocratic) families of Kolkata. Among such celebrated households, the Amritlal Dawn House Jagaddhatri Puja stands out for its century-old legacy, traditional family celebrations, and ceremonial grandeur. Located at 8, Dinu Rakshit Lane in Kolkata, this puja has been a focal point of devotion and culture for over 120 years.
Historical Background
The jagaddhatri puja was initiated by Amritlal Dawn, a prominent Gandhabanik (aristocratic trader caste) family member, who was deeply involved in the petroleum and diesel dealership business. The Dawn family, over the decades, made the Jagaddhatri Puja not only a festival of spiritual importance but also a rich carrier of heritage.
Being a bonedi bari puja, the traditions have been carefully maintained, and rituals are observed with a deep sense of respect for family lineage, religious purity, and cultural significance.
Rituals and Religious Significance
The Amritlal Dawn House performs the Jagaddhatri Puja with elaborative traditional rituals consistent with Shakta philosophy. Core rituals include:
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Pushpanjali and Arati: Devotees offer flower reverence and perform evening aarti marked by rhythmic dhak beats creating a pious atmosphere.
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Kumari Puja: Young girls are worshipped symbolically as avatars of Goddess Jagaddhatri during the festival, honoring purity and divine feminine energy.
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Bhog Distribution: Made with traditional Bengali delicacies, this communal offering strengthens bonds between family and society.
The puja concludes with the ceremonial immersion of the goddess’s idol, marking the spiritual culmination of a powerful and heartfelt celebration.
Cultural and Artistic Essence
The puja is set in the ancestral home, which is decorated with traditional Assamese and Bengali artistic elements. The idol of Maa Jagaddhatri is crafted with skilled artisanship, showcasing fine detailing and traditional attire. The pandal and altar decorations reflect a blend of classical aesthetics and opulence befitting a bonedi bari celebration.
The puja continues to be supported by family efforts and community participation, ensuring a well-organized, immersive experience for devotees and visitors.
Community and Legacy
Amritlal Dawn House Jagaddhatri Puja is more than a family event; it is a celebration of Kolkata’s enduring devotion and aristocratic cultural history shared with neighbors and devotees. It represents the intertwining of spiritual legacy and social inclusion, highlighting the bonedi bari’s role as cultural custodians.
The Amritlal Dawn House Jagaddhatri Puja exemplifies the classical nobility, spiritual depth, and cultural richness of Kolkata’s bonedi traditions, welcoming devotees to partake in a ritualistic journey cherished for over a century.
