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Introduction

In 1842, Baboo Moohundas, a jute and iron merchant from Kamarhati village in Nadia, was inspired by the vibrant Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata. Upon returning home, he initiated a similar celebration in his own residence, albeit without idol worship. Later, his son, Baikunthanath Das, took the tradition forward by planning a Durga Puja in their Nabadwip outhouse, with his wife, Baradasundari Devi, a member of a Vaidya Brahmin family from Kashi, playing a pivotal role.

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Baradasundari Devi's desire led to the introduction of idol worship, and a majestic three-arched Durga temple, blending European architecture, was constructed. The puja gained popularity, with Brahmin priests from Kashi performing the rituals. However, a crisis arose when the chief priest passed away just before the puja. Baikunthanath, determined to continue the tradition, decided to perform the rituals himself, despite being from a non-Brahmin family.

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This bold move sparked controversy, and local Brahmins intervened during Sandhi Puja, questioning Baikunthanath's authority to perform the rituals. The puja was eventually taken over by the Brahmins, and the celebration was marred by the sudden death of Kumari Nilavati, a foster daughter of Baradasundari Devi, who succumbed to tuberculosis. The idol was immersed in a pond within the estate, and the puja was discontinued.

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The tradition lay dormant for generations until Krishna Govinda Das, a descendant of Baikunthanath, shifted to Siuri, Birbhum, and built a residence called "Ranu Villa" in the 1960s. His youngest son, Samiran Das, revived the Durga Puja in 1995, with his wife, Prasamita Roychowdhuri. As an artist, Samiran Das crafted the Durga idol himself and performed the puja without a Brahmin priest, a rare practice in those times.

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The family named the Durga idol "Baradasundari Durga" in tribute to Baradasundari Devi. Despite initial skepticism from family members, the puja gained popularity over the years. The family follows unique traditions, such as immersing the idol in a pond within the house and performing Annapurna Puja and Ramchandra Puja on Navami tithi. The celebration also incorporates tribal folk culture, like "Dasai Nach," on Vijaya Dashami.

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Over three decades, the puja has become an integral part of Siuri's cultural landscape, with locals appreciating the family's devotion and heritage. The Das family's Durga Puja is a testament to their commitment to preserving their cultural legacy and honoring their ancestors' traditions.

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