Kartik Puja in Purbasthali, part of Bardhaman district, is a dazzling, deeply cherished tradition that transforms the region each November. With well over 150 pujas scattered across villages, localities, and jamidarbari (aristocratic homes), Purbasthali becomes a vibrant focal point for Bengal’s Kartik worship, blending historic ritual, artistry, and powerful communal spirit.
Highlights
-
Over 150 Kartik Puja celebrations across Purbasthali make the region one of Bengal’s true epicenters for devotion to Lord Kartikeya.
-
Ancient roots, with evidence of widespread Kartik worship and terracotta findings dating back to the Gupta era, underscore the festival’s long lineage.
-
Purbasthali villagers observe three to four days of festivities, marked by unique rituals, prasad sharing, moonrise baths, and immersive worship cycles.
-
A rich diversity of puja styles, from classic “thaka pujas” (multiple deities arranged on bamboo platforms) to modern thematic pandals.
-
The event fosters intense local pride, drawing devotees, processions, and visiting families from Bardhaman, Nadia, and beyond.
The History of Kartik Puja in Purbasthali
The tradition of Kartik Puja in Bengal can be traced back centuries. Ancient terracotta plaques and local lore reveal how Kartikeya worship flourished in Bardhaman’s countryside—especially in Purbasthali, Katwa, and the surrounding areas. Merchant families, farmers, and village assemblies all played key roles in spreading Kartik Puja, often tying the festival to the Bengali month of Nabanna (harvest), invoking prosperity and protection for farm produce and trade.
During the time of Raja Krishna Chandra in the 1700s, Kartik Puja’s influence reached its zenith, with aristocratic and merchant homes sponsoring increasingly opulent celebrations. While some regions saw a gradual decline in the festival’s prominence, Purbasthali managed to sustain and expand its puja tradition, eventually hosting over 150 celebrations in the area.
Core Rituals and Customs
Worship and Offerings
-
Kartik Puja rituals typically begin with Adhivas (consecration), followed by devotional bathing, prayers, and food offerings.
-
Prasad features regional staples: rice, brinjal, arum, radishes, Indian pea, mustard oil, and ghee. Households and clubs prepare generous servings for local communities.
-
Worship cycles usually Span up to three days, each marked with morning puja, evening aarti, and community distribution of bhog.
Community Participation
-
Purbasthali’s hallmark is its multi-cluster format—rather than a single central celebration, dozens of neighborhoods, villages, and family compounds arrange their own pujas, creating a tapestry of small and large events with distinct flavors.
-
Local artisans craft clay idols and bamboo “thaka” structures that host Kartikeya and associated deities. Families take immense pride in their puja’s artistry, color, and decoration.
-
Many neighborhood pujas feature folk music, regional theatre, storytelling, and intergenerational participation in rituals and processions.
Moonlit Baths and Evening Worship
-
A signature custom in Purbasthali is the moonrise bath: on Kartik Purnima, devotees gather at local ponds and rivers in the evening to symbolically cleanse body and spirit, followed by six-prayer cycles and offering lamps as a gesture of gratitude and hope.
Family and Club Pujas
-
Family pujas—often with lineages stretching back 100+ years—hold special status.
-
Rising star: Local clubs now compete for the most innovative pandal, thematic décor, and community engagement, often supporting education and healthcare in parallel.
Artistic and Social Impact
Artistic Diversity
-
Idol-making and pandal design become a showcase for local talent. Traditional thaka pujas contrast with new-age designs—some incorporating motifs from ISKCON chandrodaya mandir, national icons, or eco-friendly themes.
-
Artisans use local clay, bamboo, and seasonal plants, honoring the land’s bounty and the festival’s agrarian legacy.
Social Unity and Inclusion
-
Purbasthali Kartik Puja unites villages, merchant communities, and distant relatives sent home for the celebrations.
-
For families with roots in the diaspora, the puja serves as an occasion to renew bonds and affirm cultural belonging.
-
Communal distribution of food, support for the underprivileged, and free health clinics run by local clubs highlight the festival’s social responsibility focus.
Women’s Role and Blessings
-
Elderly women bless younger girls, wishing for a groom as handsome as Kartikeya and praying for children’s well-being.
-
Women play a central role in organizing pujas, preparing prasad, and leading rituals, conferring a special matriarchal energy on the celebrations.
Visiting Purbasthali Kartik Puja: Tips and Experience
-
Best time to visit: Plan for the middle or last day of puja when most pandals and family pujas are open to visitors and processions take place.
-
Transport: Purbasthali is well connected by train and road from Bardhaman and Kolkata. Seek guidance at local shops for the best routes and clusters to visit.
-
What to see: Explore ponds, village paths, historic temples, and market lanes lined with food stalls and puja décor.
-
Food highlights: Don’t miss classic prasad mentioned above, in addition to local sweets, savoury snacks from club stalls, and tea served in clay cups.
Conclusion
Purbasthali Kartik Puja stands as a living tribute to Bengal’s festival culture—a sprawling, joyful, and beautifully decentralized celebration that weaves hundreds of families, artisan communities, and local clubs into a single luminous tapestry. For locals, visitors, and those seeking the beating heart of tradition, Purbasthali offers an unforgettable, multi-day spectacle of Kartikeya devotion and East Indian creativity.
