Six-century-old traditional Dol Utsav at Chatra Dol Tola Mandir

The six-century-old Kashishwar Peeth, better known as Chatra Dol Tola Mandir in Serampore, continues to uphold the traditional celebration of Dol Utsab, drawing hundreds of devotees from far and near.

Biswanath Maitra, a senior member of the temple committee, said that Kashishwar Pandit, an ardent disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, laid the foundation of the Radha-Krishna temple. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, on his way to Nilachal (Puri), spent a night at the temple, which is believed to have been during his final journey to Puri.

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To offer his daily prayers to his divine master, Kashishwar installed an idol of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu within the Radha-Krishna temple.

The Dol Tola Mandir, which showcases classical Bengal temple architecture, remains a major centre of attraction for devotees of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Radha-Krishna. Large numbers gather in the spacious grounds in front of the temple during the festival.

On the occasion of Dol Purnima, the deities of Radha-Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are placed on two elevated Dol manchas (raised platforms) situated at the far end, facing away from the main temple and adjacent to the boundary wall of the premises.

On this day, hundreds of devotees apply vermilion to the deities of Radha-Krishna and Mahaprabhu, considering it a rare and blessed opportunity that comes only once a year. The celebrations are marked by bhajan, kirtan and open-air theatrical performances, following long-standing traditions.

Even today, hundreds of devotees visit the temple in Chatra, Serampore, to meditate and experience the spiritual presence of Mahaprabhu, who preached love and service to all. The application of colours on Dol Purnima symbolises the infinite love of Radha-Krishna.

A four-day-long fair within the Dol Tola temple premises marks the conclusion of the Dol Purnima celebrations.