The countdown for the upcoming 5-day Durga Puja festival began today with people celebrating Mahalaya, marks the beginning of the ‘Devi-paksha’ after the end of ‘Pitri-paksha’ when Goddess Durga is said to begin her earthly sojourn.
People came out to the streets early Monday morning as it is considered auspiscious as the countdown for the festivities kicked off.
It was a carnival-like atmosphere, especially in Jorhat, where thousands of people came out of their houses as early as 2 am to welcome Maa Durga to earth.
“We come out of our homes every year on Mahalaya. It has become a ritual of sorts. People from nearby areas like Titabor, Mariani and even Sivasagar also come to Jorhat to enjoy festivities and welcome Maa Durga to earth,” Rupalim Borthakur, a resident of Tarajan locality of Jorhat, told News Live.
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However, Mahalaya tithi started a litte late with the Mahalaya ‘tarpan’ time beginning from 10.49 am today (Oct 8) and will end at 9.08 am tomorrow.
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People across Assam also welcomed Goddess Durga, chanting hymns and mantra and heralding the festive season. Shraddha ceremonies were also performed near river banks as people took a dip in the Brahmaputra and other rivers on the occasion of Mahalaya.
