Syllabus: GS-I – Indian Culture (Festivals & Traditions of Assam)

Why in the News?

On Vijaya Dashami, the Koch royal family of Darrang, Assam, observed the historic Dar Puja at Mohanpur Howli, a centuries-old ritual linked to their Durga Puja celebrations.

Key Features of Dar Puja

• Meaning: In Darrangi dialect, Dar = arms and ammunition → ritual of weapon worship.
• Origins: Over 400 years old, dating back to the reign of King Boli Narayan of the Koch dynasty.
• Venues: Durga Puja is celebrated at three royal estates (Howlis):
  • Gakhir-Khowa Raja Howli
  • Dangar Raja Howli
  • Mohanpur Howli

  Dar Puja is performed only at Mohanpur Howli.

• Rituals: Worship traditionally included weapons, golden crown, and pots atop victory bars. Currently, symbolic worship is performed, mainly of the khanjari/khukri, believed to be gifted to Bir Chilarai by the king of Gour.
• Cultural Parallels: Similar to Ayudha Puja/Śastra Puja celebrated across India during Navaratri and Vijaya Dashami.
• Significance: Preserves Koch royal heritage, martial tradition, and highlights regional variations in Durga Puja rituals, while raising awareness about intangible cultural heritage preservation.

MCQ

Q1. Consider the following statements about Dar Puja:
I. It is celebrated by the Koch royal family only at Mohanpur Howli in Darrang.
II. It involves worship of arms and ammunition as a part of Durga Puja tradition.

Options:
(a) Both I and II
(b) Only I
(c) Only II
(d) Neither

Answer: (a)