Baghmundi block of Purulia exhibits diverse nature and culture. One of such culture could be seen at Bandri Village beneath the Ajodhya Hills. The serene hill emerged gradually from Bandri.Bandri is the holy place of Jawoni devi. Once upon a time vast area under Ajodhya Hills and surroundings was under the control of Bhumij caste. People here lived under the umbrella of Manki-the authority of the community & territory. However, the Manki used to believe in the invisible power of local deity- the Jawoni Buri. the Jawoni Buri is the protector of kingdom and subjects. All have been keeping the same faith today.
Jawoni devi is the gatekeeper of Bandri, Kalimati,Serendra etc. She lives under a tree and she has no images. A piece of stone is her symbol and being worshiped from indeterminate period. Traditionally, Laya-the priest from a special sub-caste of Bhumij worships Her on behalf of the villagers. Strict rituals are followed . Even today no woman is allowed to observe worship-performance. The ceremony observed on the Monday of Asarmonth(Bengali calendar) is the affairs of males at the spot. Offerings of lambs, goats and cocks are done in front of the deity. The place is flooded with blood on the occasion. The date of worship is postponed to Aswin moth if some one dies or new- born comes in the Bandri village. Again the Puja is deferred if there is an outbreak small pox or alike massive disaster in the village. The Devi is a living one. Her blessings keep the villagers in peace & happy. Anyone passing near the alter of the Goddess folds hands and bow to her.
The unbreakable system is continuing still now. However a bit of addition is made to the system keeping the original mode unaltered. Three decades back Kalu Babu was heading the Bhumijs of Kalimati. The women whispered “ Jawoni is female but we are barred to see her. This is an iron rules to the weaker sex.” This words reached to the ears of Kalu Babu. One day he dreamt ,the Goddess told him “ How long I would be in the jungle? Let you bring me at Kalimati for women’s sake. I want to be worshipped by them. However, my puja at Bandri will be continued as usual. Women will not go there on the Puja-day. “. Again the deity instructed “ Let you worship me in an idol form. In Kalimati I would like to be worshipped in an image of four hands seating on the back of tiger”. This was the turning moment ,the Banabibi reached in the Kalimati on the day of Doljatra.
Thereafter, she is Ma Jaoni and the village deity of Kalimati. The deity is adorned with fan-fare. No sacrifice is made at Kalimati. People of the surroundings have strict religious faith upon her. Duration of the Puja is similar to durga-puja continuing for three days. Women devotees take Dandi from Bhagabandh to the temple.
Dr. Sadananda Mahata is an Ayurbedic physician with wide repute. Everyday he cleans the temple and seeks her blessings. According to him “ I am a means, everything is done by Ma Jaoni”.
Within three decades the popularity of Ma Jawoni spread in the hilly parts of Bangmundi. More than twenty to thirty thousands devotees visit the place during three days of worship. Now cultural outfits have enriched the glamour of Ma Jawoni.
Villagers of Bandri, Serendi, Kalimati, Parantikar. Kuchi, Khusir, Gurudi etc. are waiting for the festival.
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