MAROI PUJA: A RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL OF THE KOCH RAJBANSHI

Abstract

The Maroi Puja is an important religious festival of the Koch Rajbanshi people associated with the worship of snake popularly known as Manasa (snake Goddess). The Maroi puja is normally performed by the Koch Rajbanshi in the particular day of the month of Jaistha, Asadha, Sravana and Bhadra (May, June, July and August) where other folk deities are being worshiped. Maroi is specially worshiped for the prevention from evil spirit and cure of snakebite, fertility and prosperity of human being. In this Puja, folk songs and Deodhani dance are performed to please Manasa deity who is called with other names such as Maroi, Bisahari and Padma in Koch Rajbanshi society. However, the mythological story of Chanda Sadagar, Behula and Lakshindar got significant role in Maroi Puja because of their life that was being ruined by Manasa deity