Durga Puja festivities have begun after idols of Goddess Durga and other deities were placed at the altar on Sasti yesterday (Oct 15) as people are thronging various puja pandals and offering their prayers before Goddess Durga on Saptami today (Oct 16).
Devotees in bright dresses, many people preferring traditional to western garments, are making a beeline to puja pandals to offer their prayers. There has been a rush of devotees to the pandals across Assam as people prayed for the well-being of their family, friends and relatives and celebrating the victory of good over evil.
#DurgaPuja festivities get under way, Maha Saptami today. Devotees offer prayers before #MaaDurga, go pandal hopping. pic.twitter.com/qDg16YViSu
— NEWS LIVE (@NewsLiveGhy) October 16, 2018
“I offered my prayers before Maa Durga, prayed for peace and amity to prevail in Assam and across the world besides seeking good health for my family members, relatives and friends,” Alaka Das, a devotee, told News Live in Guwahati.
Puja pandals built on various themes and replicating world-famous monuments have been attracting devotees. Eye-catching themes, decorations and lighting have become the hallmark of puja festivities with almost every puja pandal across Assam and in West Bengal where Durga Puja celebrations hold a special place in the hearts of the people going the extra mile to make their pandal counted among the best.
People are going pandal hopping and the rush of people is expected to go up in the evening hours till Maha Navami.
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been made across the State with police and security forces maintaining extra vigil to ensure that no untoward incidents take place during the festive period.
