The Mahishya community of Ramkanali village in the Gangajalghati block of Bankura in Bengal has been performing this Gaja Lakshmi puja for nearly 125 to 150 years. Interestingly, instead of Durga Puja, in this village Gaja Lakshmi puja is held during the period.
Gaja Lakshmi Puja Origin In Ramkanali
At one time, the Mahishya community relied solely on farming
for their livelihood. Their fields and harvests were their greatest wealth. However,
right beside Ramkanali village lies a dense forest, home to wild elephants.
From time to time, herds of elephants would enter the village and destroy the
crops.
To protect their fields and harvests, the villagers began to
worship the goddess Lakshmi, altering her traditional form. Since she was
imagined as seated upon an elephant, she came to be revered as Gaja Lakshmi.
From the very beginning, this puja brought a festive
atmosphere to Ramkanali village—a spirit that remains unchanged to this day.
It is said that in earlier times, the worship was conducted
under the light of hurricane lamps (hajaks). Times have changed, and now the
village is adorned with a variety of decorative electric lights instead.
Interestingly, no Durga Puja is held in this village.
Instead, preparations for the Gaja Lakshmi Puja begin around the same time as
the autumn festival season.
Because this puja is so unique, it draws great interest. Not
only the local residents but also people from distant places come to witness
the celebration—and this year was no exception.