Keeping its rich heritage and timeless traditions alive, the organizers of Naba Yubak Sangha performed the sacred Kathamo Puja (worship of the wooden frame) of the legendary Fatakeshto Kali Puja on the auspicious occasion of Lord Jagannath’s Ratha Yatra. For over half a century, Goddess Kali has been worshipped at 53B, Keshab Chandra Sen Street in North Kolkata. Following their decades-old custom, this auspicious ritual officially marked the beginning of the preparations for this year’s grand Kali Puja festival.

The sacred ceremony took place at the famous studio of renowned clay artisan Mintu Pal, located at 511, Rabindra Sarani in Kolkata.

The event witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities, including former cricketer Snehashish Ganguly, BJP North Kolkata Organizational District Secretary Sanjay Mishra, Beleghata Assembly Constituency MLA Kunal Ghosh, KMC Ward No. 48 Councillor Biswarup Dey, and noted social workers Sanjay Bakshi and Pappu Mishra.

Amidst the solemn chanting of Vedic hymns and a deeply spiritual atmosphere, the mother’s wooden frame was sanctified.

Following the rituals, Prabandho Roy (affectionately known as Fanta), the Organizing Secretary of the Fatakeshto Kali Puja committee, addressed the media. He shared key insights about their plans for the upcoming festival and said, “The iconic Fatakeshto Kali Puja is stepping into its glorious 69th year this time. Upholding the continuity of our grand tradition, the responsibility of sculpting the deity has once again been entrusted to one of the city’s finest artisans, Mintu Pal. The idol will be crafted by strictly preserving our long-standing heritage and ancient architectural style”.

The Kathamo Puja is not merely a religious ritual; it signifies the emotional and cultural awakening of North Kolkata’s festive spirit. It serves as the official curtain-raiser for a festival that draws hundreds of thousands of devotees. With the foundation stone now laid, both the organizers and devotees are optimistic that the Fatakeshto Kali Puja will once again emerge as a major center of attraction and devotion for pandal-hoppers this year.

Priyanka Dutta