Thousands of people took to the streets of Jorhat in Assam in the early hours of the morning to celebrate Mahalaya. This significant occasion heralds the arrival of Goddess Durga and marks the countdown to Durga Puja. Every year, residents come out onto the streets to observe the occasion and participate in this age-old tradition.
The annual gathering reflects the town deep-rooted cultural and religious connections with the festival. Devotees welcome the festive season with prayers, hymns, and traditional rituals in a lively atmosphere. For many, Mahalaya is both a spiritual occasion and an emotional reminder of family traditions passed down through generations.
The occasion marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, a fifteen-day period dedicated to paying homage to departed ancestors through prayers. It is also associated with the invocation of Goddess Durga, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Tarajan Sanmilan Puja Committee President Bhupen Baruah stated that this year marks the completion of 100 years of the Sammilan, leading to a grander celebration with a procession and cultural programmes. A resident named Ghosh noted that thousands gather due to the spiritual significance of the day, which marks the transition from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha.
