Rangpur: The Sanaton community celebrated the Kumari Puja on the 'Mohaassthami' in the city today, honoring goddess Durga as a 'Kumari', a pure-hearted girl and the virgin form of the goddess. The Sanaton devotees, including young girls and women, gathered in traditional attire at the 'Ramakrishna Ashram and Ramkhana Mission' in Mahiganj, participating in the festivities with religious rituals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a nine-year-old girl named Aporajita, symbolizing the Kumari form of mother Durga, was worshipped on the 'Mohaassthami' in front of the idol of goddess Durga at the Mahiganj Ramakrishna Ashram mandap. Swami Sontotananda, the principal of 'Mahiganj Ramakrishna Ashram and Ramkhana Mission', conducted the religious rituals amidst thousands of Sanaton devotees.
The hour-long celebration began at 11 am, with devotees making offerings to mother Durga in the form of a 'Kumari'. Goddess Durga was worshipped with five offerings: fire, air, clothes, flowers, and garlands. Devotees of all ages offered water, clothes, flowers, and even gold and silver ornaments at the feet of the 'Kumari'.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Roy, President of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram at Mahiganj in Rangpur, explained that goddess Durga has been worshipped in various forms, including 'Kumari', a pure-hearted girl and virgin form of divinity. He highlighted the historical significance of Kumari Puja, noting Sri Sri Ramakrishnadev's devotion to the living form of goddess Durga through this worship. Swami Vivekananda later introduced this worship at Belur Math in India, and it has since been practiced in every branch of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Dr. Roy emphasized that Kumari Puja symbolizes the embodiment of eternal power in the virgin girl, representing the goddess in the form of a mother.