COOCH BEHAR, Oct. 2: The four-day puja is now over. Following all traditional rituals of the Raj-days, the huge clay idol of Baro Devi was immersed into Jamuna Dighi (also known as Lamba Dighi) this morning. Before the immersion took place, Yatra-puja was performed as was done on earlier years. Sacrifice (Bali) of pigs and pigeons was also performed on the bank of Jamuna Dighi. Hundreds of devotees and onlookers gathered at Devibari to witness the immersion ceremony. 

Just after the Yatra-puja a number of devotees and over enthusiastic people were found busy in collecting mementoes from the idol of Baro Devi. The scene may be described as a snatchers’ paradise. The crown, saree, ornaments, weapons and even parts of the deity’s clay-made body were snatched away by the over-enthusiast people. It is largely believed that these mementoes have divine power and it is good to keep these in residences for the well being of family members. 

Soon after the immersion a number of people again jumped into the water of Jamuna Dighi to collect remains of the idol. Those who were able to get something proudly announced that they were lucky enough.  

It may be mentioned here that Baro Devi is a special form of Goddess Durga worshiped by the Cooch Behar royal family. Maharaja Nara Narayan initiated the puja dated back in 1533, as the saying goes. According to traditional rituals the idol of Baro Devi is sliced into pieces and immersed into Jamuna Dighi near the Baro Devi Temple at Devibari once the three-day worship is over. In those Raj-days the Maharaja sitting on the royal elephant (Paat-hasti) used to set a Khanjan (wagtail) bird free on Bijoya Dashami during Yatra-puja ritual. According to the sayings, Cooch Behar Maharajas had to start for conquering new regions following the flight-route of the bird. The last time a Khanjan was set free was in 1969. [] 

PHOTO : Prior to immersion, Baro Devi at Devibari temple in Cooch Behar on Monday morning.