Boro Maa, Naihati — Attraction in West Bengal

About a century ago, a young man named Bhavesh Chakraborty went to experience Bhanga Rash at Nabadwip accompanied by four friends. The incredible heights of the idols in Nabadwip made for a spectacle none of them could forget. After returning to Naihati, Chakraborty had a dream where Kali, at the time a small deity of the family, instructed him to mould her into a gigantic idol, similar to the ones in Nabadwip.

Soon enough, Naihati’s Boro Maa was conceived. As Boro Maa’s popularity soared over the years, the puja was opened up to the general public (towards the end of the last century) and stopped remaining confined to the Chakraborty household.

“People come here not only from all corners of West Bengal, but also from different parts of India like Assam and Meghalaya. We even get visitors from Bangladesh,” observes Swapan Dutta, secretary of the Naihati Boro Maa Pujo Samiti.

For five days each year, Boro Maa, whose lotus eyes exude a sense of controlled rage, is decorated in grand fashion and worshipped in adherence to the traditions first established by Bhavesh Chakraborty. In keeping with Chakraborty’s wishes, no money is collected from locals to organize the Puja. Whatever sum devotees contribute voluntarily is what the Puja Samiti works with.

Around 4,000 people are fed as part of the Puja annually, with a group of 15 to 20 cooks preparing all the meals. The bhog that is offered to Boro Maa herself always comes from the family of Bhavesh Chakraborty.

About a stone’s throw away from the glittering pandal that houses Boro Maa’s magnificent idol is a temple where a smaller avatar of Boro Maa is present all-year round. Painted in pink and yellow, the temple is relatively new (opened in 2014), with a sizable courtyard for devotees to space themselves out while offering their prayers.

Outside the premises of the Boro Maa temple is a shelter for Shiva at the Trinath temple, where Shiva appears in a rare three-headed avatar. The stoic Shiva in Trinath is in sharp contrast to the mesmerised expression that punctuates Shiva’s gaze when lying underneath Boro Maa a few feet away.

Kali Puja in Naihati begins and ends with Boro Maa.

On the day of bisharjan, practically the whole of Naihati comes together to bid farewell to Boro Maa. Before 1970, the massive idol was carried on the shoulders of the strongest men in town, all the way from the pandal to the nearby Ganga for immersion. After 1970, the organisers thought better and decided to wheel Boro Maa...

Naihati Boro Maa Kali Puja is one of the most famous and extravagant Kali Puja celebrations in West Bengal, India. It is held every year in the town of Naihati, in the North 24 Parganas district of the state. The puja is organized by the Naihati Boro Maa Pujo Samiti, and is a major tourist attraction, drawing in lakhs of devotees from all over India and even abroad.

The Boro Maa idol is a towering 22 feet tall. The puja itself is a grand affair, with a variety of cultural and religious events taking place over the course of the week.

On the day of the puja, the idol is taken out in a procession through the town, accompanied by a sea of devotees chanting and singing. The procession is followed by a grand aarti ceremony, which is a sight to behold.

There are several things that make Boro Maa unique and special. First, the sheer scale and grandeur of the puja is awe-inspiring. The idol itself is one of the tallest and most ornate Kali idols in the world, and the amount of gold and silver jewelry used to decorate it is staggering.

Second, the Boro Maa puja is a truly inclusive event. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate, and there is a sense of camaraderie and community spirit that is palpable.

Third, the Boro Maa puja is a deeply spiritual experience for many devotees. They believe that Boro Maa is a powerful goddess who can grant their wishes and bless them with prosperity and happiness.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Boro Maa during Kali Puja. It is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Here are some tips for visiting Boro Maa:

The best time to visit Boro Maa is during the week of Kali Puja, which typically falls in late October or early November. The puja site is located in the heart of Naihati, and is easily accessible by train or bus from Kolkata. The puja site is very crowded, so it is best to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Be prepared for long queues and waiting times. Carry your own water and snacks, as food and drinks are expensive at the puja site. Be respectful of the religious sentiments of the devotees. Take your time to enjoy the experience and soak up the atmosphere.

Boro Maa is a truly special place, and I hope you have the opportunity to visit...

Naihati Baro Maa: A Sanctuary of Serenity and Devotion

Tucked away in the heart of Naihati, Baro Maa is a revered destination where devotion, peace, and tranquility converge. The darshan of Baro Maa is an experience that transcends words, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of devotees.

For those planning to visit this sacred site, here are some valuable insights to ensure a seamless and enriching experience:

Avoid Crowds: Visit on weekdays (except Tuesdays and Saturdays) for a more peaceful experience.

Well-Organized Arrangements: The temple's management ensures a smooth and secure experience, from queuing to completing darshan and puja.

Puja Arrangements: Devotees can bring their own puja samagri or purchase it on-site for a nominal fee (approximately Rs. 100-150).

Photography: While photography is generally prohibited, special permission can be obtained from the temple committee staff.

Parking: Please note that car and bike parking facilities are not available.

Travel: For those visiting from outside Naihati, consider taking the train for a convenient and hassle-free journey.

Sealdah Station: Catch a local train from Sealdah station for a comfortable ride with ample seating.

Return Journey: Be prepared for crowded trains during the return journey, as seating may not be guaranteed.

Naihati Market: Explore the local market for affordable shopping and unique souvenirs.

Dining: Savor delicious meals at Baro Maa Hotel or WOW Momo, which offer a range of options, including rice, vegetables, and thalis.

No Entry Fees: The temple welcomes all devotees without any VIP or entry fee.

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Naihati Baro Maa is a must-visit destination for devotees of Goddess Kali, offering an unforgettable experience of spirituality, peace,...