In Jalpaiguri, Mohammad Mumtaz wakes up early every morning to clean the century-old Devi Choudhurani Kali Temple near Goshala More and collect flowers for the Puja. After tending to the temple, Mumtaz heads to the market to buy fruits and sweets for the rituals. Mumtaz has taken up this responsibility wholeheartedly, continuing a tradition previously upheld by her uncle, Mohammad Chandu. Now, along with younger brother Nizam, Mumtaz ensures that every aspect of the temple and Puja is managed meticulously.
"I enjoy doing temple work, that’s why I do it," Mumtaz says. Priest Subhash Choudhury adds, “Everyone is a child of the Goddess. Mumtaz is doing her work, and that is what matters the most.” Locals highlight that Devi Choudhurani always stood by people regardless of caste or religion, and the temple remains open to all.
Meanwhile, in Maldah, 75-year-old Shefali Bewa has been performing her Kali Puja at home for over four decades. Inspired by a divine vision, she began the Puja in her village of Madhyamakendua in the Habibpur block. Known as “Mashan Kali,” her celebration draws many visitors each year during the Amavasya of Kartik month.
Due to her age, Shefali can no longer manage everything alone, but the women of her village assist her in carrying out the rituals. She reflects, “I started the Puja forty years ago following the Goddess’s vision. Initially, I did not tell anyone due to social constraints, but over time, I shared the vision with my neighbors.” She adds, “The clay artisans whom the Goddess instructed to make the idol continue to craft them even today through generations.”
Sukesh Das, associated with the Puja, says, “This celebration is known as Shefali’s Kali Puja. With her age, the villagers now help in conducting the Puja, ensuring that her devotion continues seamlessly.”
Through their dedication, Mumtaz and Shefali have not only preserved traditions but have also set an inspiring example of devotion and communal harmony across two districts of Bengal.
