NOUKA PUJA - Tracing A Medieval Festival | Documentary

Summary

The transcript presents an intricate blend of cultural, religious, and symbolic references, centered around the *nOCA puja*, a rare worship ritual of the goddess of snakes, celebrated mainly in Eastern India, Bangladesh, and parts of Assam. The puja is performed on the Panchami of Bengali months, with a notable mention of its performance in the remote region of McGraw Jarrah in Assam. Despite the practice's rarity today, the festival draws a significant number of devotees for its unique cultural and spiritual significance, with the script weaving through various local expressions and references to diverse global contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Manasa, the goddess of snakes, is a well-known deity in eastern India, especially in Bengal.
• 😀 The goddess is worshipped on the fifth day (Panchami) of nearly every Bengali month, with a special focus on nOCA puja.
• 😀 nOCA puja is a unique and rare form of worship held on the Panchami of Bengali month Mark or Falcon.
• 😀 The worship of Manasa through nOCA puja is mainly performed in the Barak Valley of Assam, parts of Tripura, and Bangladesh.
• 😀 Despite being a traditional ritual, the number of people performing nOCA puja has dwindled over the years.
• 😀 The festival has continued in a remote region of South Assam, particularly in McGraw Jarrah, in Charanraj district for the last four years.
• 😀 nOCA puja is a special festival lasting at least five days, attracting large gatherings of devotees when performed.
• 😀 The puja is celebrated through a variety of ritualistic practices and offerings, although the exact practices vary by region.
• 😀 nOCA puja holds cultural significance in the regions where it is performed, symbolizing the ancient traditions tied to the goddess Manasa.
• 😀 The puja has had a revival in certain regions, despite its rarity, reflecting the resilience of traditional practices and local devotion.

Q & A

What is the nOCA puja, and how is it significant?

The nOCA puja is a unique form of worship dedicated to the goddess of snakes, observed primarily in eastern India, especially in the Barak Valley of Assam, parts of Tripura, and Bangladesh. It is held on the Panchami, the fifth day of a Bengali month, and is a rare but important ritual, especially in regions like McGraw Jarrah, Assam.

Where is the nOCA puja still practiced today?

The nOCA puja is still practiced in regions of Barak Valley in Assam, parts of Tripura, and Bangladesh. In the last four years, it has also been observed in a remote corner of South Assam, known as McGraw Jarrah.

What is the significance of the goddess worshipped during nOCA puja?

The goddess worshipped during nOCA puja is considered the goddess of snakes, a revered figure in Eastern India. Her worship is believed to bring protection, prosperity, and blessings to the devotees.

How long does the nOCA puja typically last?

The nOCA puja is a festival that typically lasts for at least five days. During this period, devotees gather in large numbers to participate and witness the rituals.

What is the role of the Panchami in the celebration of nOCA puja?

The Panchami, which is the fifth day of a Bengali month, is the designated day for nOCA puja. This day marks the key moment in the worship of the goddess, and the rituals are performed in honor of her.

Why is the nOCA puja considered rare in modern times?

The nOCA puja is considered rare today due to a decrease in the number of people performing the ritual. Over time, traditional practices like this one have dwindled, though there are efforts to preserve and continue them in certain areas.

What are the geographic regions where nOCA puja is mostly performed?

nOCA puja is mostly performed in the Barak Valley of Assam, parts of Tripura, and Bangladesh. A recent resurgence has been noted in McGraw Jarrah, a remote area of South Assam.

What is the importance of the McGraw Jarrah region in relation to nOCA puja?

McGraw Jarrah, located in South Assam, is significant because it has been hosting nOCA puja for the past four years. This area is seen as a key location where the traditional ritual is being revived.

What role do devotees play during the nOCA puja?

Devotees participate actively in the rituals of nOCA puja, which often involve prayers, offerings, and other religious activities. The festival also draws large gatherings, reflecting its importance in the community.

How does the music mentioned in the transcript relate to the puja?

The music referenced in the transcript likely underscores the spiritual and celebratory atmosphere of the nOCA puja. Traditional music plays a significant role in the rituals, enhancing the sacred experience and the sense of devotion among the participants.