Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Thousands packed the streets of Jorhat today. The massive turnout signaled the start of Durga Puja, as locals celebrated Mahalaya. Crowds flooded the town to take part in traditional processions and swarm local shops for the town's famous jalebis.
Mahalaya officially ends Pitru Paksha, a 16-day stretch where Hindus honor their dead ancestors. It also signals the start of Devi Paksha, an auspicious time dedicated to Goddess Durga. Many devotees spent the day performing Tarpan, offering prayers for those who have passed away.
Hindu tradition holds that Mahalaya marks the arrival of Goddess Durga from Mount Kailash to her maternal home on Earth. She travels with her children: Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartikeya, and Ganesha. Artisan shops remain busy across the region as craftsmen put the finishing touches on idols. One of the primary rituals involves the Chokkhu Daan, or the painting of the Goddess's eyes.
Durga Puja spans five days, moving from Maha Shashthi through Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and finally Vijayadashami. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil with ceremonies and cultural events. The atmosphere in Jorhat underscores the town's commitment to the tradition, as locals gathered for what organizers described as the "beginning of the festive period ahead of Durga Puja."
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