Today marked the conclusion of the five-day Durga Puja festivities. Many people participated in today’s idol immersion ritual in Guwahati as part of the five-day Durga Puja celebrations. Goddess Durga’s immersion without restrictions took place after two years of COVID-19 protocols being followed when a limited number of people being allowed to gather at river ghats throughout the state.
The day before the goddess left for the year, women gave their final farewell by doing the customary “sindur khela” (smearing vermillion on each other’s faces). There were other makeshift bodies of water set up for immersion across the city and beyond.
In the state capital and surrounding areas, revelers organized colorful processions while police enforced strong vigilance everywhere to make sure no undesirable incident occurs.
In the meantime, the Guwahati Police Traffic Deputy Commissioner published a notification outlining the guidelines for idol immersion. This project is meant to protect all members of society, especially vulnerable road users like children, women, older citizens, and individuals with impairments. The notification stated that there would be limits on vehicle mobility in the city on October 5, 2022, the day of Goddess Durga Devi’s immersion.
In the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, and other regions, Durga Puja is a highly observed event. Five days are dedicated to its celebration. Streets are decorated with decorations, loudspeakers play holiday music and priests recite hymns and chants, while local communities construct pandals. On the days of puja, the roadways are clogged with revelers, worshippers, and pandal-hoppers. It frequently leads to congested traffic situations. There are open-late stores, diners, and restaurants, as well as festivals and cultural events. Organizing committees are formed, and they manage the pandal during the festivities.
