Howrah, October 11 (HS): A unique tradition rooted in local folklore and faith continues at the Ray family's Durga Puja in Mahiyari, Howrah, which is more than 300 years old. Every year on Vijaya Dashami, after the ritual immersion of Goddess Durga's reflection in a mirror, the family worships Dakshin Rai, the tiger deity revered in the Sundarbans.

According to local accounts, Mahiyari was once inhabited by wild and ferocious animals. Legend has it that around 250 years ago, a tiger attacked those carrying the Durga idol for immersion on Vijaya Dashami. Following the incident, members of the family attempted to establish a temple dedicated to Dakshin Rai, but the structure repeatedly collapsed for reasons that remain unclear. They eventually began worshipping the deity in the open ground adjoining their residence on Vijaya Dashami.

The altar dedicated to Dakshin Rai still stands in the grounds beside the family home. The deity's idol remains covered with a basket throughout the year and is brought out for worship on Vijaya Dashami. Small terracotta horses and tiger figurines are also placed at the altar. The ritual takes place after the ceremonial immersion of Goddess Durga's reflection in a mirror, following which the idol is covered again.

Family member Randeep Ray said that despite worshipping the tiger deity, the family offers only vegetarian bhog during the festivities. Non-vegetarian food is prohibited in the household throughout the Puja, and animal sacrifice is not part of the tradition.

From the Bodhan marking the invocation of Goddess Durga to the immersion rituals, and from the installation of the Nabapatrika to the Sandhi Puja, all ceremonies at the Ray family's Durga Puja are performed in accordance with traditional Hindu customs.

Hindusthan Samachar / Santosh Madhup