A unique confluence of faith and tradition was witnessed on Sunday at the ancient Durga Temple in Kasba village, Shambhuganj block. The village atmosphere was filled with devotion from morning, with the sounds of drums and bells echoing alongside chants of 'Jai Maa Durga'. With the onset of Bodhan Navami, devotees, led by priests and acharyas, reached the Babu Saheb Pond near Gandhi Maidan. Water was filled in the Bodhan Kalash amidst Vedic chants. Following this, devotees, carrying the kalash and chanting praises to Maa Durga, arrived at the temple.

Here, the Bodhan Kalash was established with full rituals according to Bengali customs, marking the beginning of the 17-day Durga Puja and Durga Saptashati recitation. After the kalash installation, the age-old tradition of collecting cowrie shells was observed in the temple premises. As soon as the cowries were distributed, devotees eagerly rushed to collect them. Women and men enthusiastically participated, and within moments, the temple courtyard was filled with a crowd gathering cowries.

According to villagers, this tradition has been passed down through generations and is considered very auspicious. It is believed that keeping cowries at home brings the blessings of Maa Durga, leading to happiness and prosperity in the family. Many women keep cowries in their sindoor box, while some devotees place them in their lockers or worship areas. This tradition of collecting cowries at Kasba Durga Temple is not limited to Bodhan Kalash installation; cowries will also be distributed on the Chaturthi and Saptami tithis during the puja. The atmosphere of faith and festivity will continue for the next 17 days in Kasba village.