Durga Puja festivities have picked up across Assam on Maha Ashtami with lakhs of devotees thronging puja pandals and offering their prayers before Goddess Durga. There was a rush of devotees in puja pandals today (Oct 17) morning on Maha Ashtami as they lightened earthen lamps as per ritualistic belief as chants of mantras rent the air.
Special bhog was offered and ‘chandi puja’ will be performed as it is believed that it was during this period when Goddess Durga killed Mahisasura. On the other hand small girls, believed to be incarnations of Goddess Durga, were also worshipped at pandals and at houses on Maha Ashtami.
Lakhs of devotees throng Puja pandals on #MahaAshtami today, seek #MaaDurga's blessings. pic.twitter.com/AtpXXSOV9c
— NEWS LIVE (@NewsLiveGhy) October 17, 2018
Meanwhile, people thronged puja pandals on Saptami night, offering their prayers and enjoying pandal hopping. People prayed for the well-being of their family, friends and relatives and celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Puja pandals built on various themes and replicating world-famous monuments have been attracting devotees as 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted people on Maha Ashtami.
“Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami. May Maa Durga fulfil everyone’s aspirations, further the atmosphere of joy and eliminate all evil from our society. Have a blessed Durga Puja!,” PM Modi wrote on social media.
Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami. May Maa Durga fulfil everyone’s aspirations, further the atmosphere of joy and eliminate all evil from our society.
Have a blessed Durga Puja! pic.twitter.com/gEo6Fw8URW
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2018
