Devi (The Goddess)

Sumitra Karmakar, a little girl lives in a small village called Kankalitala, with her parents. Apart from studying in Class V, she helps her mother with the entire house hold cores too. She learns Kantha stiching, which is a source of income for the family. Like a simple little girl she is always in a glee with her friends and pets. She loves watching television, but their poor economical condition can’t afford it. And at the same time electricity has not reached yet where the family lives. But the loving father did give Sumitra a radio as a substitute for television. This daily labour family spends a simple happy life near the famous pilgrimage of this part of West Bengal. The Kumaril Puja ceremony is one of the famous celebrations here, takes in the 3rd day from the immersion of Devi Durga. The ceremony includes worshipping 51 Kumaris (Virgins). It’s an age-old tradition running for the last 115 years. On the day of the puja, they gathered under a Banyan tree and waited eagerly for their name to be called up. Chosen girls were taken for a bath in the river Kopai and dressed up in a white saree with red border and simple make up. Puja took place under the Banyan tree. Sumitra and other 50 girls then would consider as "Devi", while priest chanted mantras and offerings. Village people bowed their heads before these Kumaris. Aarthi is the last part. After this ritual, the ceremony is over and Sumitra becomes a simple girl again. For Sumitra the Puja is just a gateway to get a saree and some good food for a day. The ceremonial rituals are totally incomprensive to her innocent mind but the grandeur of gift sharing that means all to her.