The first Jagadhatri Puja in Bengal began in Krishnanagar, Nadia, under the patronage of Maharaja Krishnachandra Roy. Over time, in that same region, the Malo community—that is, the local fishermen—started their own unique form of Mother worship. This festival, also known as the worship of “Ma Jaleshwari”, still upholds centuries-old traditions and customs, giving it a distinct identity among all the Jagadhatri Pujas of Krishnanagar.
In 2026, Ma Jaleshwari Puja Of Malopara in Krishnanagar, Nadia is on November 18.
The Beginning of the Puja in Malopara – The Maharaja’s
Kindness and the Story of 15 Rupees
How it began:
The Malo community originally performed the ritual immersion (Niranjan) of the
Jagaddhatri idol from the royal palace of Maharaja Krishnachandra Roy. One day,
the fishermen expressed their desire to hold a similar Jagadhatri Puja in
their own neighborhood and sought permission from the Maharaja. Krishnachandra,
kind-hearted as he was, gladly agreed and extended his support for the
festival.
The tradition of 15 rupees:
To help fund the Puja, the Maharaja donated 15 rupees to the Malo community.
That tradition continues even today. Members of the Puja committee say that the
Barowari Puja at Malopara does not begin until the royal family’s descendants
send this symbolic 15-rupee donation. Although the money itself no longer holds
any monetary value, it symbolizes the enduring bond between the king and his
subjects. Some say, however, that it was Queen Bhubaneshwari Devi, the second
wife of Raja Satish Chandra Roy, who first initiated this 15-rupee offering to
mark the beginning of the Puja.
The Tradition of Burning Incense – One Maund of Dhoono to
Mask the Smell of Fish
One of the main attractions of the Malopara Jagadhatri Puja
is the ritual of burning incense (dhuno). This is not just a simple
custom—there’s a legend behind it.
The story:
It is said that once, Maharaja Krishnachandra visited the fishermen’s colony to
witness the Puja. However, being a fishing area, the surroundings were filled
with a strong fishy smell, which made the Maharaja uncomfortable. To make his
visit pleasant, the organizers began burning a large amount of incense to cover
up the odor.
The custom:
From that day on, as a mark of respect to the Maharaja and to purify the
environment, this practice continues every year on Navami (the ninth day) of
the Puja. Devotees also perform this ritual as an offering when their wishes
are fulfilled—carrying incense burners (dhunuchi or shora) on their heads or
hands. Sometimes, as much as one maund (around 37 kg) of incense is burned
during this Puja!
Men Dressed as Women Fetching Water – A Unique Tradition
A remarkable and unusual custom of this Puja is that men
dress up as women in saris to fetch water from the Jalangi River for the ritual
installation of the sacred pot (ghat). This tradition is called “Jal Saja.”
Beliefs behind it:
The exact origin of this practice is unknown, but there are a few prevailing
explanations:
Religious reason: According to some Puja committee members,
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Dharmaraj (the god of righteousness). Since it
is believed that the female form was created from Shiva’s own body, the men
dressing as women symbolizes reverence for feminine energy and the divine
mother.
Tradition: This is an ancient custom. Young men from the
neighborhood dress up as veiled brides at midnight, carrying water pots on
their hips, and proceed to the riverbank accompanied by a band and drummers.
This act is regarded as a gesture of respect toward the power of the Mother
Goddess.
The Ma Jaleshwari Puja of Malopara, Krishnanagar, is not
just a community festival—it is a living document of Nadia’s rich history and
folk culture. Even today, it weaves together royal patronage, sacred symbolism,
and extraordinary traditions into one enduring celebration.