Durga Puja gives the lotus farmers of Bankura a big financial boost - GetBengal story
According to mythology, during the war between Rama and Ravana, Goddess Durga was invoked through the ritual of Akalbodhan (untimely worship). When the Goddess did not appear to be satisfied, Vibhishana advised Rama that she must be worshipped with 108 blue lotuses. Rama agreed and when commanded, Hanuman flew to Debidaha, since that was the only place where blue lotuses were said to grow. After Hanuman brought the lotuses, Rama began the worship and discovered that one lotus was missing. At that point, Rama expressed his willingness to offer his own lotus-like eye to the Goddess. Then the Goddess manifested herself and blessed him, saying that she would withdraw her protection from Ravana. Thus, there was no longer any obstacle to Ravana’s defeat. And for this reason, 108 lotuses hold such great significance.
This is a mythological story and the ritual of Sandhipuja, but arranging such a large number of lotuses every year, both in India and abroad, is no simple task. It is not as easy as cultivating lotuses and selling them in the market. For lotus farmers, the process is far more challenging, made even harder by natural disasters and financial hardships.
However, there is a silver lining. This year, lotuses from Bankura will adorn Durga Puja celebrations abroad—from Australia to Germany and London. On Ashtami, it will be with these very lotuses that Goddess Durga will be worshipped. Before the festival has even begun, lotus farmers from the forested regions of Bankura have received orders for their flowers.
According to a newspaper report, last year organisers of various Pujas in Australia alone had ordered nearly 5,000 lotuses. This year too, talks with export companies are almost finalised. On the morning of Panchami, lotuses will be plucked from several ponds and delivered to Kolkata. From there, Bankura’s lotuses will be flown by cargo planes to Australia, Germany, and London. Flower traders claim that compared to other districts of Bengal, Bankura’s lotuses remain fresh for several days even after being harvested from ponds. As a result, export companies usually do not face losses.
It is noticeable that Bankura’s lotuses have been making their way overseas during Durga Puja for the past four to five years. This time, since orders have come well in advance of the festival, the farmers’ fortunes have brightened. About a month ago, organisers of Durga Puja among the Bengali diaspora in Australia contacted a Kolkata-based export company for lotuses. The company, in consultation with the Horticulture Department of Bankura district, arranged to source the flowers. Through this mediation, it was decided that lotuses cultivated by farmers in Simlapal and Khatra blocks of Bankura would be sent to Australia.
Note : Translated by Debamita Ghosh Sarkar
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