Raiganj, Oct. 9: The Bengal government had started the Durga Puja Carnival just a few years ago.

But in Raiganj, for the past 23 years, a committee formed by the residents of a locality has been hosting an event where Lakshmi idols worshipped at homes are brought to an exhibition and the best ones are awarded.

Yesterday, over 500 residents who had held Lakshmi Puja at their homes on October 5 brought the idols to the Hatkhola Ground in Barduari to participate in the exhibition and the competition. The event is held on the immediate Sunday after Lakshmi Puja.

"It would not be an exaggeration if the event is termed as Lakshmi Puja Carnival. People move in a procession to bring the idols to the ground, where those are displayed. A fair is also organised on the occasion. Earlier, only local people used to participate in the event but for the past few years, people from other areas of the (North Dinajpur) district also bring the Lakshmi idols," said Nabakumar Saha, an organiser of the event.

A committee formed by the residents of Barduari is the organiser of the "carnival".

The idols brought to the exhibition are from homes. "Unlike Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja is hardly organised by any club or organisation. It is mostly celebrated at homes and families arrive at the ground with enthusiasm with the idols," said Saha.

This year, over 500 Lakshmi idols were brought to the Hatkhola ground.

The organisers awarded trophies to the families whose idols were chosen as the top three ones, along with other gifts.

"It is indeed a unique practice. A visit to Barduari during the fair and competition is a great experience. So many Lakshmi idols are displayed with several families and visitors assembling on the site, enjoying the fair and the competition. The event has turned out to be one of the prominent post-Durga Puja attractions in Raiganj," Debasish Das, a Raiganj resident, said.

The organisers said they had expected a high footfall this year, but recent floods had taken the toll on the attendance.

"Many families had celebrated Lakshmi Puja in a low-key manner because of recent floods. We have also handed over prizes like utensils and materials which are used in any Puja to other participants," said a member of the organising committee.

The families don't immediately take the Lakshmi idols out of homes for immersion and eagerly wait for the fair.

"Every year, the competition is held on the Sunday that falls after Lakshmi Puja. So, we wait for the competition and unlike other areas, do not immerse the idols soon after the puja. I have been taking the Lakshmi idol at my home to the fair for the past five-six years," Swapan Dutta, a Raiganj resident, said.

The fair starts in the evening and after the selection of the best idols, they are taken from the ground for immersion.

"The families then take out a procession and head for different rivers and streams to immerse the idols. A crowd greets them along the route," an organiser said.