15.Religious Characteristics and Places of Worship of the Hindu Community of Bam: Panchami Nath Majumdar

 

“That which sustains is Dharma.” That is, the system of actions or principles and rules that are necessary to beautifully sustain our body, society, or life is Dharma. This applies to all life. Therefore, Dharma is the same for everyone. However, the path chosen to live life may not be the same. That is why "religious beliefs" differ. For example - Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Christian, etc. However, these beliefs are widely known as religions.

Bam is primarily inhabited by Hindus, Muslims, and a limited number of Christians. Each community lives with its own religious customs, characteristics, and religious institutions.

 

It is said that Bengali Hindus have "thirteen festivals in twelve months." It can be said that this statement is literally applicable in the case of Bam. The saying is not new, but very old. Various customs, rituals, and festivals have been prevalent in this society since ancient times. And there are appropriate reasons for this. The reason is that a large number of people following Vaishnavism, in addition to Shaivism, Shaktism, Saurism, and Ganapatya, are present in the Bengali Hindu society of Bam. Besides Bengalis, some Hindi and Manipuri speaking Hindus also live here.

People of each sect worship their chosen deities according to their beliefs. Everyone can participate in the festivals and ceremonies centred around this worship. Shaivites worship Shiva, Shaktas worship Durga-Kali-Manasa and other forms of Shakti, Sauras worship the Sun, and Ganapatyas worship Ganesha. There is no objection to being a follower of more than one sect according to one's own beliefs and reverence. In addition, social ceremonies such as Bhai Phonta, Jamai Shashti, weddings, and Annaprashan are celebrated by all Hindus in Bam. As a result, these further increase the number of festivals.

 

In the Bam region, while there are specific temples for performing religious ceremonies, the practice of individual or collective worship by constructing temporary pavilions is also seen. The deities enshrined in the permanent temples are worshipped there. Any deity can be worshipped in a temporary pandal. However, if the same puja is performed repeatedly in a specific location, that place naturally becomes known by the name of that particular puja.

 

The following is a description of various festivals and pujas celebrated in permanent temples and temporary pandals by the Hindus of the Bam region:

Durga Puja:

Durga Puja or Durgotsava is a major Bengali Hindu festival celebrated in Bam with great pomp and enthusiasm during the lunar month of Ashvin. Durga Puja is celebrated to commemorate Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Preparations for Durga Puja begin from Mahalaya. The focal point of Durga Puja is the idol of Goddess Durga along with other deities, placed in elaborately decorated pandals for worship. Durga Puja is not just a religious festival; it is also a cultural and social event. Various cultural programs such as music, dance, drama, and art exhibitions are held. Shopping for new clothes, toys, and gifts is an essential part of Durgotsava. People of all communities participate in the puja shopping spree. A popular activity during Durga Puja is "pandal hopping," where people, dressed in their best attire, visit various puja pandals throughout the night to see the idol decorations, themes, and cultural programs. After Durga Puja, the villagers of Bam organize Jatra (folk theatre) as part of the cultural festivities, in which local artists participate. The community Durga Puja is managed by local committees, from planning to implementation, using local resources. During Durga Puja, the air is filled with the sounds of drums, conch shells, and chanting of mantras, creating a festive atmosphere.

The worship of the Goddess is performed with great fanfare on the seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar days of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashvin. But as the night of Navami ends and the tenth day arrives, a melancholic tune is heard. The poignant melody of Bijoya (the day of immersion) resonates. With hearts heavy with sorrow at the immersion of the goddess, devotees seek solace among relatives, friends, and acquaintances.  Paying respects to elders and embracing friends are special customs of Bijoya. During this time, there is also a tradition of turning enemies into friends. The uniqueness of Bijoya lies in embracing everyone, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. This sense of brotherhood is considered the fruit of Durga Puja or the blessing of Goddess Durga.

2. Lakshmi Puja:

The Devi Paksha ends on Sharad Purnima, and Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on this full moon day. Lakshmi means prosperity, Lakshmi means good taste. Lakshmi is the goddess of good fortune and beauty. On the day of Lakshmi Puja, houses are cleaned, and in almost every Hindu family in the Bam region, alpana (decorative patterns) are drawn with rice paste. These alpana designs include sheaves of paddy, footprints of Lakshmi, farming tools, vines, and leaves. The worship of Lakshmi at the moment before bringing home the autumnal harvest reflects the mental imagery of an agrarian society. Lakshmi Puja is organized to receive the blessings of abundance and prosperity.

3. Kartik Puja:

Kartik Puja is celebrated on Kartik Sankranti, the last day of the month of Kartik. There are no specific rules regarding lunar dates, constellations, or days of the week. Dev Senapati Kartik is a symbol of bravery and valor. It is believed that his blessings lead to the birth of children – and especially newly married brides worship Kartik with this belief. Hoping for a handsome and brave son like Kartik, the deity seated on a peacock is worshipped along with bows and arrows. Generally, several devotees gather together and perform Kartik Puja collectively in the same place.

They fast all day and stay awake all night, performing puja at different intervals. Along with this, the newly sprouted grains of paddy, lentils, mung beans, etc., are offered with water. This ritual probably symbolizes welcoming the new generation. The harvest season follows Kartik Puja. Farmers express hope for a bountiful harvest and pray for favorable weather and prosperity in the upcoming agricultural cycle.

4. Makar Sankranti:

Makar Sankranti holds a special place among the Bengali Hindus of the Bam region. In this predominantly agricultural region, this festival related to agriculture is especially meaningful. This festival is celebrated on Poush Sankranti, that is, on the last day of the Bengali month of Poush.

According to the English calendar, this Sankranti falls on the 14th or 15th of January. At this time, the winter crop season ends, meaning the harvesting of the 'Shail' (Shali) rice in this region is completed. After backbreaking labor, when the granaries are filled with golden rice, the farmer's heart also fills with joy. Various kinds of rice cakes and sweets are made with the newly harvested rice. The presence of 'Chungapitha' along with other traditional and delicious local dishes of the Bam region completes the household's kitchen. With everyone inviting each other to their homes, the festive mood takes on a universal form.

Besides this, Makar Sankranti has another significance. Bhishma, the grandfather renowned in the Mahabharata, was lying on a bed of arrows, having received the boon of voluntary death. He chose to die on this day of Sankranti. For this reason, Hindus take a bath in the Brahma Muhurta and consume 'sesame seeds' first. Therefore, sesame seed sweets are made in every household. This Sankranti is also called Til Sankranti (Sesame Seed Sankranti).

 

5. Maha Shivaratri:

"Maha Shivaratri," or the great night of Shiva, is dedicated to Shiva, the god of destruction and rebirth. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the 14th night of the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Falgun. Devotees observe Maha Shivaratri with fasting, prayers, and rituals day and night. They visit various Shiva temples established in the Bam region and offer special prayers or puja. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm. Maha Shivaratri symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and virtue over evil. Devotees offer milk, curd, ghee, and honey to Mahakal and pray for their desired boons on this auspicious day.

6. Dol Yatra:

Dol Yatra, also known as Dol Purnima festival, marks the beginning of spring in Bam and commemorates the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Dol Jatra is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Falgun. It coincides with the festival of colors, Holi, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India. Devotees sprinkle colored powder (abir or gulal) on each other and spray colored water, while traditional Holi songs and bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna are performed. Dol Jatra is a vibrant and joyful festival that celebrates love, friendship, and the beauty of nature. This festival spreads joy and positivity in people's hearts.

In fact, the spring festival is not merely light entertainment or simple revelry.  It holds a profound significance of universal love. Krishna of Vrindavan is considered the embodiment of love. This love is transcendental and all-encompassing. He is not only the lover of Radha, but also the lover of all the cowherds and milkmaids of Vrindavan, irrespective of gender; the inseparable cowherd boys are his companions. In his love, the Yamuna flows upstream, and the trees and vines of Vrindavan thrill at his name. In his absence, the cows of Vrindavan do not eat grass, the peacocks do not dance, and the parrots and mynas remain silent. The dust of the roads of Vrindavan yearns to hold the imprint of his feet. That is, he loves everything – rivers, trees, animals, birds, and the very soil of the land. He is a lover of nature, a lover of humanity, a lover of the world. This love does not know how to break, it only knows how to build. In the joy of creation, therefore, the spring festival or Dol festival remains eternally colorful, spreading the colors of universal love.

Another significant aspect of celebrating the Dol festival is that during this time, there is an outbreak of spring diseases, and applying abir with special medicinal properties all over the body is a remedy prescribed by ancient Ayurvedic scriptures.

7. Vishwakarma Puja:

On the last day of the Bengali month of Bhadra, the worship of Vishwakarma, the architect and craftsman of the gods, is celebrated. Vishwakarma Puja pays homage to the divine architect Vishwakarma, who is revered in Hindu mythology as the divine architect and creator of the universe. During Vishwakarma Puja, artisans and factory owners seek the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma for success, prosperity, and safety in their respective businesses and professions. Special aarti is performed with mantras and hymns. Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm and collective fervor. Factory workers and employees come together to organize the puja, cultural programs, and feasts, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among all participants. The priest applies vermilion to the factory machinery and vehicles while chanting mantras. Vermilion is considered a symbol of auspiciousness.

8. Diwali:

Diwali is the celebration of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This festival is widely celebrated in the Bam region. Diwali is celebrated on the night of the new moon in the month of Kartik. Diwali is the "festival of lights" - a tradition of lighting oil lamps, candles, and decorative lights in homes, temples, and public spaces. The illumination symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the dispelling of ignorance through knowledge.

The scientific significance of this festival of lights is particularly noteworthy. At this time, the fields are full of green paddy plants. When the cool breeze of the approaching winter gently sways the green fields, it seems as if waves are rising in a green sea, rushing forward, waiting to crash upon the shore. This is a very beautiful sight. At this time, the paddy plants flower and bear fruit. But the fruits (paddy) are still immature, soft, and filled with a milky liquid. And it is at this time that various insects, like locusts, appear, sucking the liquid from the grains and destroying the crops. The festival of lights was introduced out of the necessity to protect the crops from these harmful insects. Attracted by the dazzling light, swarms of locusts jump into the fire. As a result, the crops are largely protected.

In the Bam region, there is also a tradition of floating rafts of lights on the Rukni River or other water bodies during Diwali. Lighting lamps to illuminate the path of ancestors is a beautiful way to remember them with respect. Bengali Hindus believe that this makes their path easier, and they, in turn, look upon their descendants with favor, that is, they bless them. And the blessings of elders are always desirable. Therefore, during the auspicious moment of Diwali, rows of lamp-lit rafts can be seen floating on the water bodies of Bam, especially on the Rukni River. This scene is not only visually stunning but also particularly helpful in keeping the environment pollution-free.

Time is powerful and all-seeing. Nothing remains unclear, invisible, or unknown to time. Time alone can pierce the darkness of ignorance and reveal the truth. Therefore, in Diwali, the worship of Goddess Kali (the feminine form of 'Kala' or time), the goddess of purity, amidst the darkness of the new moon night, represents a profound truth of Hindu spiritual thought. On auspicious Diwali, people exchange gifts, sweets, and dry fruits with each other. And they visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and blessings.

9. Basanti Durga Puja:

The same goddess is sometimes Basanti and sometimes Sharadiya. She is Goddess Durga. Durga, the destroyer of suffering, is worshipped twice a year. The worship of this goddess, known as Basanti in spring and Sharadiya in autumn, has the same rituals and customs.

According to the Puranas, in ancient times, Maharaja Surath first introduced the worship of Goddess Durga on earth. It was springtime then. Therefore, Basanti Durga Puja is considered the original puja. Again, Ramchandra performed Durga Puja hoping to receive the goddess's grace to defeat Ravana. It was autumn then. Since then, Sharadiya Durga Puja has been in practice. However, because the puja was performed out of season, the autumn puja is also called "Akal Bodhan" (untimely invocation).

Basanti Durga Puja is generally chosen for performing the puja in a sattvic manner with devotion and without disturbance, especially for private worship in households. For public or large-budget pujas, Sharadiya is the preferred choice. However, there are exceptions. In certain places and circumstances, pomp, devotion, and sattvic qualities are also seen in Basanti Puja. For example, the public Basanti Puja held in Singherhaor Forest Village, a village bordering Mizoram. This puja has been celebrated with great enthusiasm for the last 97 years. In addition to elaborate rituals to receive the blessings of Goddess Basanti, a five-day fair is also held. Approximately ten thousand people participate in the fair every day.

 

10. Manasa Puja

In almost every Bengali Hindu family in the left bank region, the goddess of snakes, Manasa, is worshipped.

The festival is usually held in the months of Shravan and Bhadra. Devotees perform elaborate rituals to appease Goddess Manasa and receive her blessings. Milk, fruits, flowers, and sweets are offered to the goddess. The "Manasa Mangal" is recited during the month of the puja. The famous Bengali folk epic "Manasa Mangal" is intrinsically linked to Manasa Puja. The story of Behula and Lakhindar is often enacted during the celebration of Manasa Puja.

The fear of snakes is inherent in humans. These snakes or cobras live in burrows during the winter but come out in the summer and roam everywhere. People, frightened by their menace, seek refuge in Manasa, the mother of snakes. Therefore, the "Nag Panchami" tithi (lunar day) in the month of Shravan is considered auspicious for Manasa Puja.

11. Ganesh Chaturthi:

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated to honor the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadra, which usually falls between August and September according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival typically lasts for ten days. Ganesh Chaturthi holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and culture. Lord Ganesha, the beloved son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is worshipped as the god of knowledge, prosperity, and new beginnings. His blessings are sought before starting any new venture or business. He is the bestower of success. Offering prayers to Ganesha first before worshipping any other deity is a special custom among Hindus. The auspicious beginning of the new year and the opening of new business accounts are started with Ganesh Puja.

12. Krishna Janmashtami:

Krishna Janmashtami is a festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, another form of Lord Vishnu. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the month of Bhadra. Krishna Janmashtami holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus. Lord Krishna, revered as the divine incarnation of love, wisdom, and compassion, is worshipped as a symbol of eternal truth. His birth is believed to mark the beginning of a new era of spirituality and enlightenment.

The birth anniversary is celebrated at midnight on Janmashtami day. The next day is Nandotsav. The festival is celebrated throughout the day with Krishna Leela kirtan, Krishna puja, and distribution of prasad.

13. Ram Navami:

Ram Navami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and the hero of the epic Ramayana. Ram Navami falls on the Maha Navami tithi of Basanti Puja in the month of Chaitra. Ram Navami holds immense religious significance for Hindus, as it marks the divine birth of Lord Rama, who is revered as a symbol of righteousness, virtue, and moral integrity. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions of devotees worldwide. Devotees make extensive preparations for the celebration of Ram Navami. Homes, temples, and streets are decorated with festive decorations and floral arrangements. Idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshmana, and Lord Hanuman are installed in temples and adorned with flowers and garlands. Many devotees observe Ram Navami by reading or listening to the Ramayana. Storytellers or scholars also narrate the epic Ramayana to assembled listeners. Every parent prays to God that their child may possess the ideal character of Maryada Purushottam Lord Rama.

14. Saraswati Puja: Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge. She is the giver of learning. Therefore, students in every Hindu family worship Goddess Saraswati. The goddess is seated on a white lotus, rides a white swan, and holds a veena and a book. The white color symbolizes knowledge, purity, and peace. On the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magha, the student community celebrates the worship of the goddess. Besides school and college students and teachers, music students also worship Goddess Saraswati with deep respect and devotion and seek her blessings. The goddess is worshipped individually or collectively by many people.

 

 

15. Raksha Bandhan:

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi festival is celebrated to commemorate the bond between brothers and sisters. Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon day of the Shravan month (the day of Jhulan Purnima). Raksha Bandhan is a brother's promise to protect his sister from all adversities. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a sacred thread called "Rakhi" on their brothers' wrists as a symbol of their love, respect, and prayers for their well-being. In return, brothers give their sisters gifts, sweets, and blessings, reaffirming their promise to protect and support them throughout their lives.

16. Bhai Dooj or Bhai Phonta:

The purpose and objective of both Rakhi Bandhan and Bhai Dooj are the same. Bhai Dooj is celebrated two days after Diwali. This day is also called Yama Dwitiya. On this day, sisters worship Yama, the god of death, and pray for their brothers' long lives. After applying a sandalwood mark on their brothers' foreheads, they say:

“I put a mark on my brother's forehead.

A thorn has fallen at Yama's door.

Yamuna gives a mark to Yama,

I give a mark to my brother.”

Just as sisters become a protective shield for their brothers by invoking the divine power of Yama and Yamuna, brothers also pledge to protect their sisters throughout their lives. Sisters feed their brothers various delicious foods of their choice. In return, the brothers please their sisters with various gifts. Brothers and sisters who live far away from each other eagerly await this day. The sweet relationship between brothers and sisters becomes even sweeter on this day.

17. Chhath Puja:

Chhath Puja is one of the oldest and most important festivals of the Hindu community living in Bihar, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and his consort Usha (Chhathi Maiya). Chhath Puja is celebrated six days after Diwali. It symbolizes devotion and gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. Chhath Puja is a four-day festival during which devotees observe strict rituals and fasting. They take a dip in the Rukni River and offer prayers to the rising and setting sun. The rituals include bathing, fasting, and standing in the water for extended periods while offering prayers. The central focus of Chhath Puja is the worship of the Sun God. Devotees pray to the rising and setting sun, expressing gratitude for the life, energy, and sustenance provided by the sun. The practices of Chhath Puja are also considered to be scientifically sound in terms of health benefits.

Hindu Temples of Bam:

The Bam region is home to various temples, each dedicated to different deities, showcasing the rich tapestry of Hindu religious traditions and practices. Descriptions of some of these temples, along with their history where possible, are provided below.

French Nagar Shiva Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the centuries-old French Nagar Shiva Temple is a place of deep devotion and spiritual practice. This temple attracts devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Women pray here every Monday, and Durga Puja and Kali Puja are also celebrated here every year.

French Nagar Durgabari:

A significant place of worship for devotees of Goddess Durga, French Nagar Durgabari is known for its vibrant celebrations during the Durga Puja festival, where devotees gather in large numbers to worship the goddess. Kali Puja is also celebrated here every year.

Khulichhara Basantibari:The nearly century-old Khulichhara Basanti Bari is another temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, known as Basanti Bari. The temple becomes a focal point for religious gatherings and festivals, especially during Basanti Puja. A five-day fair is held every year during Basanti Puja. Approximately ten to fifteen thousand people from all walks of society participate in the fair. It is a center of communal harmony.

Madhya Channighat Sarbajanin Shiva Temple:

This public Shiva temple in Channighat is a center of spiritual activities. Besides Shiva Puja, Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, and Kali Puja are also held here.

Sitakunda Ashram: Sitakunda Ashram is located about a mile straight west from the Ranfari Shiva Temple. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus. Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and devotee Hanuman are the deities worshipped here. It is a beautiful, small ashram surrounded by hills on three sides. A slender, beautiful waterfall cascades down the slopes of the Rengti hill, creating a picturesque pond. This naturally formed, stone-encircled pond is called Sitakunda. An ashram has developed around this pond. The clear water of this waterfall provides water to the people of the area throughout the year. Although it seems inaccessible during the monsoon, Sitakunda becomes attractive during the winter. From Makar Sankranti, special worship, recitation of scriptures, devotional songs, and a fair are held for five days. The dilapidated place of worship, which has been in existence for many years, has now been specially renovated with government assistance. There is less public gathering here except during the fair days. However, in its beautiful natural environment, the serene and meditative atmosphere of the ashram provides immense peace to the hearts of devotees, making it a fulfilling pilgrimage site.

Ranfari Shiva Temple: Ranfari Shiva Temple is a spiritual center for Shiva devotees, known for its peaceful environment and devotional activities. Besides special worship on Shiva Chaturdashi, Durga Puja is also held here every year. Currently, relocating the Shiva temple has become essential due to the need for highway construction.

Dhalai Shiva Temple (Bari):

Located in Dhalai, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important place for worship and religious gatherings.

Loknath Temple, Sadagram:

Dedicated to Baba Loknath, this temple in Sadagram is a place of devotion and spiritual practice, attracting followers of Baba Loknath's teachings.

Shiva Temple, Mahadevpur:

This century-old Shiva temple in Mahadevpur is known as the 'Hargauri Temple' for worship and spiritual gatherings. This temple is very dear to devout devotees for its peaceful environment. Previously, a week-long fair was held here every year. On the occasion of Madhu Krishna Trayodashi in the month of Chaitra (Baruni Ganga Snan), people would take a dip in the Rukni River.

Shri Shri Kali Temple, Lantugram:

The century-old Shri Shri Kali Temple is a special temple located in Lantugram village. Established around 1924, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Kali, one of the most significant goddesses in Hinduism. The Lantugram Shri Shri Kali Temple is a center of religious activity. It serves as a hub for festivals, social gatherings, and cultural events. The temple management recently celebrated the temple's centenary with a cultural procession and other activities.

Panibhara Radhamadhav Akhara:

The shrine known as 'Panibhara Boro Akhara', located a stone's throw away from Ranfari, is actually the "Radhamadhav Akhara". Premavatar Gouranga Mahaprabhu and the idols of Radha and Krishna are the deities worshipped here. Almost a hundred years ago, Lakshyamani Nath (Lakshya Mahajan) of Panibhara village donated about 18 bighas of land, including the temple site and agricultural land, as endowed property. For many years, under the personal supervision of the Mahajan family, with the appointment of Vaishnava priests and priestesses, the activities of the Akhara continued with great pomp and ceremony. The Natmandir (assembly hall) resonated with regular worship, daily offerings, and arati. Vaishnava festivals such as Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Jhulan Yatra, Dol Yatra, Pushpa Dol, etc., were celebrated with grandeur. All the families in the village were devoted to the Akhara. Everyone was always ready to lend a helping hand in the Akhara's activities. Religious ceremonies of every household in the village, such as Vaishnava Seva, Pitripaksha Seva, Nabanna, etc., were held in this Akhara. For most of the year, the Akhara remained festive. This akhara (monastery/religious center) was a peaceful place for rehearsals of various kirtans, jatra plays, and Dhamail dances.

Currently, the management of the akhara has been handed over to a management committee. Due to various reasons such as a shortage of Vaishnava priests and the negligence of committee members, the vibrant activities of the akhara have been disrupted. However, since the endowed property donated in the name of the akhara remains intact, the people of this area hope that the akhara will regain its former glory in the future.

Panibhara Ashutosh Ashram: This Shiva temple is the oldest place of worship in Panibhara village. The religious ceremonies of the people of Panibhara village, especially the people of the Shiva-worshipping Nath community, revolve around this temple. The blessings of Ashutosh Shiva are sought at the beginning of every auspicious undertaking. Therefore, private worship by one family or another continues every day in this ashram. Besides, special worship services are also arranged collectively on specific auspicious dates. Everyone gathers at this ashram to make decisions regarding any social activities of the village.

The zamindari (landholding) of the prominent zamindar of Silchar Malugram, the late Pulin Deb, extended to this region as well. Since there was no place of worship here, more than a hundred years ago, he donated a large piece of land on the banks of the Rukni River in the name of a Shiva temple. Pulin Babu's two sons, Pankaj Kumar Deb and Shyamendra Kumar Deb, while teaching at Dhalai BNMP School, provided considerable assistance in the development of the ashram. As a result of their generosity and the goodwill and virtuous activities of the villagers, the Shiva temple holds a prominent place. The ancient banyan tree is a special attraction of the ashram.

 There are many more temples scattered throughout the Bam region. These temples bear witness to the religious devotion of the people of the Bam area, such as:

Dhalakhal Durga Mandap, Tilanagar Durga Mandap, Bhagabazar Shiva Temple, Mahadev Bari Shyamacharanpur, Bishnupur Shiva Temple, Debipur Shitala Mata Temple, Bishnupur Durga Mandap, Mathurapur Shiva Temple, Bhairav ​​Baba Temple, Dhanipur; Sarbajanin Durga Mandap Dhanipur, Kokaipunji Kali Temple, Mahadev Bari Shyamacharanpur Colony, Uttar Channighat Shiva Temple, Tilanagar Shiva Temple, Shiva Temple-Hadamba, Shiva Temple Jaynagar Forest Village, Jarultala Shiva Temple, etc.

Channighat Shiva Temple

The temples of South Cachar are not merely places of worship; they are the heart of the community's spiritual life. Each temple, with its unique deity and history, contributes to the rich tapestry of the region's religious and cultural heritage. These temples are significant not only for their religious importance but also for their role in bringing the community together during various festivals.

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Author's Profile -

Panchami Nath Majumdar: A scholar of classical music and Kathak dance, writer Srimati Panchami Nath Majumdar is deeply dedicated to both music and literature.  Besides managing her own dance academy, she writes poetry for various magazines in Kolkata. In fact, she is more widely known as a poet in the literary world. This report – “Religious Characteristics and Places of Worship of the Hindu Society of Bam” – is the result of her keen interest in learning about the geographical, historical, and religious environment of this region.

 

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’