Jagaddhatri- Original Bengal Pattachitra , 14×22 (in)

Brief background about the goddess:

Jagatdhatri or Jagaddhatri (transl. Bearer of the World) is an aspect of the Hindu Goddess, Parvati, worshipped in the Indian State of West Bengal and other states like Odisha and Jharkhand. Her worship and rituals are derived from Tantra. It is believed that her worship frees her devotees from ego and all other materialistic desires.

At Krishnanagar( a town in West Bengal India), Raj Rajeshwary Jagatdhatri Puja is one of the oldest in Bengal. As per local history, Maharaja Krishnachandra was arrested by Nawab Siraj-ud-Dullah once for not paying taxes on time. He was released from prison during the day of Vijaya Dasami. Having missed the entire festivity of Durga Puja in his kingdom, Maharaja became extremely sad. Seeing her devotee sad, the ultimate mother, Goddess Jagaddhatri gave Maharaja a vision and the king commenced the ritual of Jagatdhatri Puja in his native place.The puja was performed by Raj Rajeshwary (Raj Mata in Bengali language) and before the start, a Jagatdhatri Puja was donated by Maharaja Krishna Chandra named Maa Jaleshwary at Malopara Barowary. The worship of the goddess was later resumed by Sarada Devi, wife of Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

Jagatdhatri Puja is very popular in Krishnanagar, (Sutragarh-Santipur), Tehatta, Rishra, Chandannagar, Bhadreswar, Hooghly, Boinchi, Ashoknagar-Kalyangarh, Howrah.

Craft: Bengal Pattachitra by the Patuas (State of West Bengal)

Artist- Chandan Chitrakar