Archive · 16 Aug 2025
Jalpaiguri's 516-Year-Old Manasa Puja: Fish Bhog Tradition
In Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, there's a special festival called Manasa Puja that has been happening for over 500 years.
During this event, people offer fish like boal and ilish to the goddess Manasa, who is believed to protect against snakebites.
The festival takes place in August and includes a week-long fair with stalls from different areas.
People can get there by train or plane, with the journey starting from Kolkata.
The Manasa Puja at Jalpaiguri Rajbari in West Bengal features a unique offering of fish.
The tradition, ongoing for 516 years, includes fish like boal, ilish, and others as offerings to Goddess Manasa.
The annual puja occurs on the last day of Sravan, with this year's date being August 17.
The festival involves ritual worship and a week-long fair with stalls from various regions.
Travel to Jalpaiguri is accessible by train or plane, with Kolkata as the primary origin.
- Who
- Goddess Manasa, worshipped by the royal family and devotees.
- What
- The annual Manasa Puja, featuring fish offerings and a fair.
- When
- Annually, on the last day of the Bengali month of Sravan (August 17 this year).
- Where
- Jalpaiguri Rajbari, West Bengal.
- Why
- To honor Goddess Manasa, seek her blessings for protection, prosperity, and health.
- Festival Name
- Manasa Puja
- Location
- Jalpaiguri Rajbari, West Bengal
- Years Observed
- 516 years
- Goddess Worshipped
- Manasa
- Offering
- Fish (boal, ilish, etc.)
- Date
- Last day of Sravan (August 17)
- Attractions
- Week-long fair