Barred from Temple as Lower Caste, Dhewar Community Started Own Puja in Purulia

Purulia. Being of a lower caste, they were not permitted to worship in the Durga temple. Even offering Pushpanjali on Maha Ashtami was forbidden. Following this humiliation, members of the Dhewar community held a meeting and resolved to build their own Durga temple and perform worship. This is a story from 14 years before independence. Durga Puja used to be held in Thakurdalan at Chawkbazar in Purulia city. The following year, in 1334 (Bengali calendar), a thatched Durga temple was built, and preparations began for Mother Durga's worship. The main organizers were Keshab Dhewar, Tinkari Dhewar, and Banku Dhewar. The challenge was finding a priest to conduct the rituals. The Dhewars had challenged the varna system and social untouchability, so no local priest was willing to perform the puja. The organizers claimed that Mother Durga herself resolved this crisis. Mother Durga appeared in a dream to one of the organizing members, stating that a priest from Mejia in Bankura district would worship her. The organizers went to Mejia. In the Chakraborty family, there was a priest known as Pagal Thakur. After hearing the entire story, he agreed to perform the puja. The sounds of dhak echoed in the Durga temple. Maha Ashtami flowers were offered. Thereafter, regular worship began. Land for temple construction was received as a donation. Even after 93 years, temple construction work continues. Dhewar Committee member and sculptor Shantanu Dhewar is crafting a 22-foot idol. All 12 Jyotirlingas are being depicted in the pandal decoration, ranging from Kedarnath to Kashi Dham. The Dhewar Committee has named this art form Neelkanth Dham. The old tradition of the puja includes fireworks on Ekadashi, which will be even more attractive this time. Madhusudan Dhewar, a key leader of the committee, said that the pain and agony of being driven away on Maha Ashtami under the label of lower caste will never be forgotten. The puja was born out of humiliation. We do not want to compete with anyone. Remembering past insults, we have surrendered ourselves at the feet of our Mother. A pond built in the name of the Mother and the fish business serve as the source of expenses for Durga Puja. The Chakrabortys of Mejia have been performing the puja continuously.