While Navratri is celebrated with zeal everywhere, the Durga Puja in Gumo, Koderma district of Jharkhand, has unique aspects. This Puja is a 600-year-old tradition where more than 3000 goats are sacrificed during the Navratri period. The rituals start with the Kalash installation and continue with sacrifices for all nine days. A special recitation is done on Ashtami, using a handwritten book of mantras from ancestors, opened only during the puja, and then kept safely.
The main priest, Dashrath Pandey, explains that in 1400 AD, Ratan Sai and Mardan Sai ruled Gumo. They would worship Maa Durga during Navratri. Due to the Mughals’ growing influence, they had to leave their रियासत. Before leaving, they gave the responsibility of the puja and temple to their family priests: Jiyaram Pandey, Ramsevak Pandey, and Abhay Ram Pandey.