When the goddess came in a dream: How Krishnagar's Jagadhatri Puja began

Picture a town where history lives in every lane. Krishnagar rests quietly by the banks of the Jalangi River. The air carries the sweet scent of Sarbhaja and Sarpuria, the famous local sweets. You can hear the rhythmic sound of potters shaping clay, turning simple earth into divine idols. Art and culture move here like the steady flow of the river.

- DEBROOP BANERJEE

Among all the festivals that brighten Krishnagar, Jagadhatri Puja shines with a special kind of grace. The story begins in the 18th century with Maharaja Krishnachadra. Legend says that he missed the Durga puja while imprisoned by the Nawab of Bengal. Saddened, he prayed for forgiveness. One night, he dreamt of a radiant goddess riding a lion that looked like a white horse. The goddess told him not to despair and asked him to worship her as Jagadhatri during the bright fortnight of Kartik.

When the king returned, he followed the divine command. The first Jagadhatri Puja was held inside the royal palace. Since then, this tradition has never stopped.

Subhasis Halder, a lifelong resident of Krishnagar, shared his memories with The Statesman. He said that Jagadhatri puja feels different from all other festivals. The air becomes alive with songs and prayers. The streets glow with lights, and everyone feels a deep sense of belonging. He spoke about how the entire town seems to breathe in rhythm with the beats of the dhak. "You can feel the goddess everywhere," he said with a smile.

Krishnagar wakes up during the time of Jagadhatri puja. Every neighbourhood begins its own celebration for the goddess who came in a dream. Here is a look at five of the most loved Jagadhatri pujas in the town.

Raj Rajeshwary Jagadhatri Puja at Krishnagar Rajbari

This is where it all began. The Rajbari is the heart of the history in Krishnagar. Maharaja Krishnachandra received the divine vision of the goddess. The idol is small, less than four feet tall, seated gracefully on a lion. The goddess holds a conch, discus, bow and and arrow in her four hands. Her lion faces forward, just as the king saw in his dreams.