During the reign of Maharaja Naranarayan, around the year 1530, the worship of Borodebi or Boro Ma (“Great Goddess” or “Great Mother”) began in Cooch Behar, Bengal. Time has changed — the kings are gone — yet this royal tradition continues to be observed with the same reverence. Cooch Behar Boro Devi Durga Puja 2026 is from October 16 to October 21.
A closer look reveals that this worship carries a distinct
mood. The structure of the goddess’s idol, along with the surrounding legends,
customs, and rituals, all come together to create a unique aura.
Cooch Behar Boro Devi Durga Puja History
According to popular belief, Maharaja Naranarayan was
instructed in a dream to begin this worship. Others say that Maharaja Biswa
Singha, at the age of nine, first fashioned an image of the goddess out of
drumstick wood (sajna kath) and bamboo, initiating the Durga Puja that later
became a timeless royal tradition.
Idol Making Ritual Begins In Shravan Month
The idol of this goddess is made from drumstick wood. On the
eighth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Shravana, a piece of that
wood is first worshipped at the Dangrai temple in Cooch Behar. That evening,
the wood is brought to the Madanmohan Bari temple, where it is worshipped for a
month.
Then, on the day of Radhashtami, it is carried in a
palanquin to the Debibari temple. There, skilled artisans of Cooch Behar craft
the idol of Borodebi upon the framework of drumstick wood. This work has been
passed down through generations.
Cooch Behar Boro Devi Durga Puja Rituals
Another remarkable aspect of this worship is that Lakshmi,
Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha — who traditionally accompany the goddess — are
absent. Instead, she is flanked by her two attendants, Jaya and Vijaya.
An unusual ancient practice is also associated with this
worship. Locals claim that, once upon a time, human sacrifices were performed
here. Though that ritual has long been abolished, the tradition of blood
offering continues in a symbolic form. On the night of Ashtami, a secret ritual
known as Gupta Puja takes place. Members of the royal family from the
Siddheswari area of Cooch Behar still follow the custom of offering a few drops
of their own blood by pricking their fingers. Ordinary people are not allowed
to witness this ritual. Additionally, on Ashtami, a buffalo sacrifice is
performed.
Even though there is no longer a king, all the royal-era
customs and ceremonies are still observed with the same devotion. A fair is
held in the Debibari temple courtyard to celebrate the goddess’s arrival. Not
only the people of Cooch Behar but also visitors from neighboring Assam and
other districts gather for the occasion.
The royal family’s Boro Ma — the Great Mother — continues to keep this age-old tradition alive.