Surul Rajbari Durga Puja is one of the most famous and historic celebrations in Birbhum, West Bengal. Located near Bolpur, this grand festival takes place in the beautiful village of Surul, surrounded by red soil and greenery.
The Durga Puja here has been celebrated for more than 300 years, keeping alive the royal traditions of the Sarkar family.
Every year, visitors from across India and abroad come to witness the charm, culture and heritage of this magnificent Rajbari Puja.
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History of Surul Rajbari Durga Puja
According to history, in the early 18th century, Bharatchandra Sarkar came to this village from Nilpur in Bardhaman. At first, he took shelter in the house of Basudev Bhattacharya, a resident of this village. Later, he built his own home here.
From Bharatchandra’s time, Surul Rajbari Durga Puja started in this house. His son Krishnahari’s son, Srinibas, was involved in different businesses with the British.
As a result, he became well known and respected among them. Srinibas traded in cloth for ship sails and also in indigo (blue dye) cultivation.
Some people say that the family’s title “Sarkar” was given by the British – their original surname was Ghosh.
At one time, this Sarkar family had a very good relationship with the Tagore family of Jorasanko. It is said that because of this connection, Rabindranath Tagore once visited this Surul Rajbari Durga Puja with Mahatma Gandhi.
People also say that the Tagore family received some land from this Rajbari for Santiniketan.
Surul Rajbari Durga Puja Rituals
The Durga Puja of Surul Rajbari is very famous because of its unique traditions. The making of the idol starts on the day of Rath Yatra itself.
Goddess Durga is decorated in the traditional “Daker Saj” style. A set of almost 300-year-old weapons is placed in the hands of the idol. During the Puja days, the idol is also decorated with family gold jewelry.
From the beginning of the festival, the entire Rajbari shines under the glow of beautiful chandeliers brought all the way from Belgium.
One special thing that attracts everyone is that no electric lights are used during the Puja days – the whole palace glows softly in candlelight.
From Saptami to Navami, animal sacrifice (bali) takes place every day in this Puja. Along with Goddess Durga, Lord Narayan is also worshipped.
During the sacrifice, the idol of Narayan is moved elsewhere, and once it is done, he is brought back to the main sanctum.
In the evening, the large Natmandir (temple hall) and courtyard become alive with folk plays and performances. Every villager happily takes part in this celebration of a Puja that is more than 300 years old.
Unique Traditions of Durga Puja at Surul Sarkar Bari
Here, Maa Durga is worshipped with devotion and splendor in two sections of the family – the Boro Taraf (elder branch) and the Choto Taraf (younger branch) – both maintaining their age-old customs and rich heritage.
One of the most special customs of Surul Sarkar Bari during Durga Puja is the performance of the traditional open-air theatre, known as ‘Jatra’.
These plays are still staged in the evenings of Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami, keeping the age-old cultural spirit alive.
Family Contributions on Dashami
On Dashami morning, family members gather at the Nat Mandir and offer donations according to their ability in a box meant for the family Durga Puja fund.
The entire celebration is managed by a trustee board, and the two branches of the family – Boro Taraf (elder side) and younger side – each have their own trustees.
Another special ritual of this day is the worship of the Aparajita tree. After prayers, devotees tie its leaves to their arms with a thread, believing it brings good luck and blessings.
Once the Puja ends, Lord Narayan is taken back to his temple. The priest blows a conch shell to invite the Brahminy Kite, a traditional sign of good fortune. Afterward, the ‘ghot’ (sacred pot) is brought back to the ancestral house of the Sarkar family.
The Immersion Ceremony
During the idol immersion (Visarjan), the deity from Choto Taraf is given the first preference. Unlike other modern celebrations, there is no Sindur Khela or Dhunuchi Naach held during immersion.
In earlier days, the idol was carried manually by men, but now a trolley is used for the procession.
However, the idols are still carried from the Thakur Dalan to the trolley only by the male members of Surul Sarkar Bari, keeping the traditional touch alive.
How to Reach Surul Rajbari from Kolkata?
A little away from the city’s hustle and bustle lies Surul village in Birbhum, surrounded by red soil and greenery.
Every year, countless people from India and abroad visit this Rajbari to witness its 300 year old Durga Puja tradition.
This year, you too can visit and experience the royal atmosphere of three centuries.