- The Na-Gosain Hauli Durga Puja in North Guwahati is celebrating its 201st year in 2024.
- This Puja is performed by the Na-Gosain family, descendants of the Ahom Swargadeo Lakshmikanta Singha’s Raj Purohit.
- The celebration is marked by a sacred and spiritual atmosphere, avoiding extravagant displays.
Historical Background:
- The worship of Shakti (divine feminine power) has deep roots in Assam, and the Na-Gosain family has continued this tradition since ancient times.
- Public Durga Puja celebrations in Assam began under the Ahom kings, who introduced the deity to the public.
- King Swargadeo Rudra Singha, the illustrious Ahom monarch, initiated the grand tradition of royally-sponsored Durga Puja at Gargaon.
- He later shifted the celebrations to Rongpur.
- Eventually, the Puja was moved to the Burhi Gosani Devalaya in Jorhat.
Lineage and Tradition:
- The Na-Gosain family’s Durga Puja lineage began with Swargadeo Lakshmikanta Singha’s diksha guru and continued through generations, with Govindeswar Goswami becoming the Maujadar.
- The family maintains Shakti and Shaiva traditions, evolving from early practices that included animal sacrifices, which ceased in the late 19th century.
Sculpting of the Durga Idol:
- Since 1901, the family has used clay idols of Goddess Durga.
- Notable sculptors Nabin Ghosh and his son Ramesh Chandra Ghosh were commissioned to create the idols.
- The Ghosh family, originally from Bengal, was given land by the Maujadar Goswami and has since embraced Assamese traditions.
Recent Celebrations:
- During the 200th anniversary in 2023, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the Mahanabami Puja, honoring the Goddess Durga.
The Na-Gosain Hauli Durga Puja is a testament to Assam’s deep-rooted devotion to Shakti, blending Ahom royal heritage with Assamese culture. This enduring tradition continues to honor Assam’s historical and spiritual legacy across generations.
