Kolkata, 06 July (H.S.): The traditional Kanaisor Hill Puja, one of the most significant folk festivals of the Jangalmahal region, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees, tourists and visitors from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha, transforming the border region into a vibrant confluence of four states.

Held amid the lush green hills and dense forests of Belpahari, the three-day festival and fair, which begins on the third Saturday of the Hindu month of Ashadha, concluded its main religious rituals on Sunday evening, while the fair will continue until Monday.

Rooted in centuries-old folk traditions, the unique hill worship is performed to seek nature's blessings and pray for protection from natural calamities such as droughts and floods. Devotees revere Kanaisor Hill as a divine entity, believing that sincere worship helps maintain ecological balance and ensures prosperity and safety for the region.

According to local elders, the festival has been celebrated in Jangalmahal for generations and has evolved into one of the largest traditional gatherings in the Belpahari area. Every year, tribal communities from different regions assemble to perform rituals in accordance with their respective customs, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

A sprawling fair was organised at the foothills, featuring a wide range of stalls, traditional handicrafts, local cuisine and vibrant displays of tribal culture. While the forests and scenic landscapes of Jhargram attract tourists throughout the year, the Kanaisor Hill festival draws several times more visitors during the annual celebration.

To improve accessibility for pilgrims and tourists, the administration is constructing permanent stairways leading to the hilltop. Officials said a portion of the work is still pending and efforts are underway to complete it at the earliest. Once completed, the infrastructure is expected to make the climb safer and more convenient while giving a boost to tourism in the region.

Elaborate security arrangements were put in place for the event. Under the supervision of Belpahari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Swarup Mukherjee, a large police contingent was deployed to regulate the massive crowds and maintain law and order throughout the celebrations.

With extensive administrative preparedness and security measures in place, officials expect the three-day festival and fair to conclude peacefully on Monday. Local devotees also expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the administration.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh