From Jorhat’s bustling streets to early-morning processions in Dhubri and prayers in Dibrugarh, devotees across Assam welcomed Mahalaya with chants, rituals and a renewed festive spirit
Guwahati: The first light of dawn brought with it the sound of sacred chants, the rhythm of devotion and a sense of anticipation across Assam as thousands of people stepped out on Saturday to celebrate Mahalaya, marking the beginning of Devi Paksha and heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga.
In Jorhat, streets came alive in the early hours as residents gathered for traditional celebrations, turning the town into a vibrant meeting place of faith and festivity. Devotees joined processions and prayers, while crowds also made their way to local outlets for the town’s popular jalebis, adding a familiar local flavour to the occasion.
In Dhubri, the Dhubri Town Club organised a Prabhat Pheri, which began at around 5.30 am. Accompanied by the chanting of sacred Chandi Path, the procession drew numerous devotees and residents, filling the streets with devotional fervour.
Dibrugarh, too, observed the occasion with prayers and ancestral offerings. Devotees gathered at different locations from early morning to perform tarpan, remembering departed family members and praying for the peace of their souls.
Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha, the period dedicated to honouring ancestors, and the beginning of Devi Paksha, associated with the worship of the divine feminine. In Hindu tradition, it also signals Goddess Durga’s journey from Mount Kailash to her parental home on Earth, accompanied by her children.
Across Assam, preparations for Durga Puja are gathering pace, with artisans putting the finishing touches to idols and communities preparing pandals and cultural programmes. Mahalaya has set a devotional tone for Durga Puja celebrations across Assam.
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