FOLK GODDESS CHANDI OF COAL MINE REGIONAL/ কয়লাখনি অঞ্চলের লৌকিক দেবী চণ্ডী

Abstract

Aryan culture is associated with the history of the land of Raha. The history of this Aryan culture is intertwined with the history before the start of coal mining. Most of Rahar's coal mining areas are villages and some towns. These cities are mainly industrial areas built around industry. On the other hand, the ancient secular culture of coal mining continues in the villages. The people of the remote areas here have a simplicity, a way of life built on faith and devotion. Among the mundane gods and goddesses of the coal mining region of Rahar, Goddess Chandi has the widest reach and popular belief. There is no specific idol or temple of Devi Chandi in the mundane area of ​​the coal mining area. In most cases, under the tree, vermilion stone blocks or earthen elephant-horse symbolizes the goddess. The existence of many secular deities can be traced to the west of the coal mining region. There are hundreds of 'thans of Devi Chandi all over the region. Hidden within this religion is the history, culture and social status of mining life. Life in rocky mining areas is a constant danger. For those who spend most of their lives cutting coal in pits, their lives are full of uncertainty, poverty and severe disease. In the crisis of these people who live far from the light of education, the only refuge is the thought and worship of Goddess Chandi. Lok devi Chandi has its own 'than' in almost every village built around the industrial city of Asansol-Raniganj-Durgapur in the western part of Bengal or in the villages adjacent to mines in this region. In most cases village goddess Chandi is worshiped by the social community. People of Bauri, Dom, Mochi, Jele, Kaivarta communities are the original worshipers and worshipers of Chandi. So in most cases the ingredients of Puja are liquor, meat and khichuri. However, along with the evolution, religious beliefs and thoughts are also deconstructed. Goddess Chandi is not limited to the Antyaj community, Chandi's worship and fasting is also seen among the middle-class community in the mining areas.

          The name of Narankuri Colliery adjacent to Raniganj coal mining area is well known. Prince Dwarkanath Tagore established his Car and Tagore Company on the banks of the Damodar River. Goddess Mathura Chandi temple is in this area. This goddess is still worshiped by the tribals. This is how the Brahminical culture got mixed with secular culture. There are many more such legends spread in the villages and towns of Rahad region. In fact, the red zone is the domain of Chandis. These Chandis have maintained their existence in the trees and forests since ages ago. Chandira has provided psychological support to the people in the mining area.