kharagpurmylove: Solahpuri Matapuja Carnival festival of kharagpur 2024

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Solahpuri Matapuja Carnival festival of kharagpur 2024

It's fascinating to learn about the Solahpuri Mata festival in Kharagpur and the special significance it holds for the community, particularly for the South Indian residents in the Kharagpur Railway area. Here are some key points from the information you provided:

Celebration and Worship: The festival of Solahpuri Mata has been celebrated in Kharagpur for over a century, and it has recently expanded to other parts of the town. Devotees worship Mata Solahpuri to seek relief from diseases like chicken pox, especially during the hot summer months. It is believed that the presence of the Mother Goddess cools down the weather, reducing the chances of such illnesses.
Use of Turmeric: Turmeric plays a significant role in the worship rituals of Solahpuri Mata. The form of the goddess is made from turmeric, and devotees apply turmeric paste on their bodies as a form of protection against diseases like chicken pox. This tradition underscores the belief in turmeric's purifying and protective properties.
Chamundeshwari Devi's Worship: On the third day of the festival, Goddess Chamundeshwari, a renowned deity from Kerala, was worshipped. The priest performed rituals using turmeric to create the form of Chamundeshwari Mata and presented a live tableau of her as part of the festivities.
Community Involvement: The festival involves active participation from the community, including priests (Pandits) and Batuks who support them. Everyone participates in applying turmeric paste and performing pujas to honor the Mother Goddess and invoke her blessings.

This celebration not only highlights the cultural richness of Kharagpur but also showcases how traditions like these are adapted and cherished over generations, reflecting deep-rooted beliefs in the protective powers of the divine and natural elements like turmeric.