An experience of traditional Durga Puja at Dasghara

This pujo, we wanted to experience the vignettes of Durga Pujo in Bengal, had experienced a bit  earlier when i visited Atpur in Tarakeshwar, but this time Koushik da suggested to visit Roy bari at Dasghara, i never hesitated to do so, and planned to visit there on Nabami- 18th October. 

I started my journey at 7 am, i drove for half an hour through Durgapur express highway, and turned towards Dhaniakhali connector, the road from there was like a magic, the Bengal; countryside had it's effect on me, specially when i compared with the pandal hopping on the previous day, needless to say that both are different shades of our pujo which i wanted to experience and cherish forever.Green fields. baby goats, nimble breeze. and out of these, the most enthralling was the chanting of the mantra accompanied me all the way.

We reached Dosghora at 8.40 am, it turned out to be a perfect blend of ancient and the modern. Roy bari was a famous place and I didn't face any problem finding the destination.I entered through the arched gateway built by Bipin Krishna Roy who was a notable business person of that area.  

 The sight of the age-old majestic Thakurdalan or the collonaded alter for Durga workship. The teracotta statues on the pillars featured some notable scenes from Ramayana, a grand courtyard, performances of musicians and glimpses of regular life. It is said that its masterpiece is one of its kind in whole of West Bengal, the place has its own charm, the ornate cast iron gates and fencing, Corinthian pillars, the stucco work in the verandah and the grand thakurdalan reflect the wealth of the family. 

The sun rays peeped through the iron structured ceiling  refected on the floors ornate with decorative marble.

The Roy family was already preoccupied around the thakurdalan, the preparation of morning aarti was on full swing. The morning aarti started, the sound of the dhak beats and the bells echoed from the large walls of the majestic building, the family members gathered around the priest, children from outside also joined the aarti.



 On the way back, we saw the Shiv temple, with its tall spire stands as a mute witness to the glorious days of Dasghora.
The complex had several others gates with statues of lions.
After being doped with refreshing sights of the traditional durga puja and everlasting effect of the picturesque rural bengal, we headed back to Kalyani.

Plan your trip by road- If you are driving, take NH6 and turn right from Dhaniakhali connector. After driving for 40 Kms you will reach Dasghara, from there you can ask the local residents for Roy bari. I would suggest to drive down, to experience the beauty of peace and serenity of greenery.
By Train - Take Tarekeshwar local, within half an hour, you will reach Dasghara, get down at Bazarpara. There are motor vans and jeeps to commute, walk down through the burdwan road.