Durga Puja mandaps drawing large crowds in Guwahati City

STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 25 – Durga Puja festivities began in the State today on the day of the Maha Saptami, which marks the second day of the Goddess’ earthly sojourn. While the idol of the Goddess was installed yesterday, i.e., on the Maha Sasthi day, the celebrations in the real sense of the term start from the Maha Saptami day. While the devout started to visit the puja pandals since morning to pay obeisance to the Goddess, the colourful and boisterous puja crowd was making its presence felt in the evening. The puja-revellers, together with the dazzling illumination and vibrant decorations, created the perfect puja ambience. The magnificent pandals – resembling canvasses of varied hues and designs – vied for attraction of the onlookers.

Puja venues at areas like Beltola, Ganeshguri, Latasil, Chandmari, Athgaon, Nayantara, Maligaon, Pandu, etc., witnessed large crowds as usual. Despite the best efforts of the City Police, prolonged traffic congestions hampered the smooth flow of vehicles and made life difficult for the commuters.

Along with puja venues, restaurants, dhabas and roadside eateries including those that come up overnight on such festive occasions, did brisk business as did petty stores dealing in toys, balloons and children ware. Hot jelebis were among the most sought-after delicacies, with the vendors invariably finding themselves surrounded by eager crowds.

Various puja organizers conducted cultural shows in the evening, featuring a variety of items from nam-kirtans and arati to singing and dance competitions. Competitions among schoolchildren were also organized. ASSAM TRIBUNE