Thousands of devotees throng Sadarghat Bridge for Mahalaya

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, Sept 30: Mahalaya is a special festival for the Hindus as it heralds the coming of Durga Puja, the biggest and the most awaited festival of Hindus. It is celebrated across the valley and a large number of people come out to usher in festivity. This year was no exception. Despite showers of rain, people were seen making a beeline for Sadarghat Bridge at the wee hours of morning. The streets, which usually wear a deserted look at such unearthly hour, were flooded with people who were out for enjoying the occasion. The fresh air that blew made them feel more fresh and invigorated. Teegers were seen posing for selfies and being photographed in the best possible attire and attitude. A large number of people were seen clicking selfies either on the bridge or on its railings in order to capture some moments. Selfies are shared on social networking services such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and are generally gratifying and made to look casual and sporty.

 Residents of the town were in high spirits and did not let rain dampen their sprits. Streets vendors did not want to give it a miss and come out to sell their food items, balloons and other stuffs. In order to earn a few extra bucks, they were heard shouting their products to the teeming pedestrians. It is said that Goddess Durga is invited to her parental home on this day. Everybody has his or her own way of reasoning behind enjoyment of the festival. Debarati Bhattacharjee (28), a B. Ed student said, “I love to enjoy the occasion every year. I do not miss out on such a joyous gathering at any cost.” Mahalaya sets the mood for celebration of Durga Puja. It marks the beginning of Devipaksha and end of Pitrapaksha.

 The whole town was alive and awake from the early hours of the morning. Sadarghat Bridge was swarming with people. People were heard shouting slogans of ‘Durga Mai Ki Joy’. The ambience was also full of devotiol hymns played from different sides through loudspeakers. An extra zing of celebration was added, as people were enthusiastic about the arrival of Durga Puja. It has become a common practice among the people to have delicious puris, radhaballobis, luchis and jilapis. Almost all confectiory shops were wide open as they were making those food items.

 People braved the weather and came out to usher in festivity. The day was domited by innumerable sps, selfies and scks. Children were seen asking for gas balloons and other attractive play items. With the arrival of Mahalaya, people have started the countdown for Durga Puja celebrations. People also celebrated this day by tuning into radio for listening to the iconic voice of Late Birendra Krish Bhadra who immortalized the holy verses by his voice.