JALPAIGURI — Though royalty and kingdoms belong to the pages of history, the vibrant cultural traditions of North Bengal remain as alive as ever. The historic Baikunthapur Royal Palace in Jalpaiguri has officially launched preparations for its landmark 517th Durga Puja, marked by its signature enthusiasm, rhythmic drumbeats, and age-old community rituals.

As per long-standing royal family tradition, the festivities kicked off early on the morning following Janmashtami with Nandotsav and Katham Puja. The focal point of the day’s celebrations was the traditional Kando Khela—a mud-play ritual that brings together palace family members and local townspeople in joyous camaraderie.

Participants of all ages join the mud play after the initial religious ceremonies. In an enduring custom, the sacred mud used during the game is collected to apply the very first layer onto the wooden frame (katham) of the Goddess Durga idol inside the palace’s Natamandir.

"Our Durga Puja begins with Janmashtami and strictly adheres to the rituals prescribed in the Kalika Purana," explained royal family representative Linda Basu. "The Mother Goddess is envisioned here with the complexion of molten gold—known as Tapta Kanchanvarna."

Unlike standard idol iconography elsewhere, the royal idol features Goddess Durga flanked by her two friends, Jaya and Vijaya, who are revered as symbols of peace alongside Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. The idol-making process will continue through the coming weeks according to family customs, culminating in the painting of the Goddess's eyes on the auspicious morning of Mahalaya.

For generations of local residents, the royal puja is deeply woven into the emotional fabric of Jalpaiguri.

"For Jalpaiguri, Durga Puja is synonymous with the Royal Palace Puja," said Pratul Roy, a local resident who has witnessed the celebrations since childhood. "The mud play ritual gives you goosebumps. Unless you visit the Rajbari and witness the traditions here, it simply does not feel like Durga Puja has arrived."

Another local participant, Ajay Roy, echoed the sentiment, noting that the community eagerly anticipates taking part in the mud play every year following the Katham Puja. "It is an occasion we all look forward to and enjoy together," he added.

With the sound of gongs, the laughter of children, and the start of idol sculpting, a festive spirit has already gripped the historic town of Jalpaiguri as it prepares to celebrate a 517-year-old royal legacy once again.