Maa Ugratara Temple: 16-day Grand Durga Puja Begins in Latehar, Jharkhand

Maa Ugratara Temple: 16-day Grand Durga Puja Begins in Latehar, Jharkhand (Representative image/canva)

Latehar (Jharkhand), Sep 15: The centuries-old Durga Puja tradition at Maa Ugratara Temple in Latehar district began on Monday with great devotion, marking the start of the 16-day Shardiya Navratri celebrations. Located 110 km from Ranchi, this ancient temple attracts thousands of devotees every year for its unique rituals and customs.

Centuries-old Rituals Continue

Temple priest and caretaker Pandit Govind Vallabh Mishra said the 16-day Navratri puja has been performed at Maa Ugratara Temple for hundreds of years. “This year, too, all rituals are being observed with devotion as per tradition,” he said.

During the celebrations, devotees are not permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum. Instead, priests offer prasad such as coconuts and sugar candy (misri) on behalf of worshippers. From the very first day, a large number of devotees gather at the temple to seek blessings of Maa Bhagwati.

Sacred Observances and Offerings

The puja begins with Kalash Sthapana, invoking the Ashtadashbhuja (18-armed form of the goddess). On September 21, the arrival of Maa Gaura will be marked with goat sacrifice rituals.

From September 22 to 27, daily morning aarti and Kalash Puja will be performed, followed by general worship and evening rituals at the mandap. On September 28, a special ritual will be held at Damodar village with the consecration of Bilva leaves.

On October 1, the sacred Mahish Bali (buffalo sacrifice) will take place, continuing the temple’s age-old customs.

Vijayadashami Rituals

The final day, Vijayadashami, holds special significance. After the morning aarti and grand adornment of Maa Bhagwati, priests offer betel leaves (paan) to the deity. Tradition holds that the immersion (Visarjan) is allowed only when the paan falls from the goddess’s seat – a moment devotees await with reverence.

Once the ritual is complete, the Navapatrika immersion, goat sacrifices, Neelkanth darshan, and Mahish Bali mark the conclusion of the grand celebrations, blending faith, tradition, and community spirit.

The Maa Ugratara Temple Durga Puja is not only a religious celebration but also a reminder of Jharkhand’s rich spiritual heritage. The 16-day rituals, performed with dedication, draw devotees from across the region, making it one of the most unique Navratri celebrations in India.