With spring approaching its end and people bracing up for the sultry summer, the Bengali Hindu devout have immersed themselves in Durga Puja festivity with the Basanti Puja underway at Nonaipara in Kukurakata near Tangla of Udalguri, Assam from Friday.
Observed during Chaitra Navratri, this Durga Puja is celebrated in spring. This festival coincides with Chaitra Navratri celebrated across the northern states of India.
“This festival, however, is not as extravagant as Sharadiya Durga Puja observed in autumn, the rituals for both are also the same except that ‘Ghat’ (earthen pot) is not used on Sashti in Basanti Puja,” said president of the celebration committee Bapan Sarkar.
“We are elated to witness participation of people cutting across caste, creed and community,” he added.
The five-day event started with Mahasosthi witnessed holy Ashtami Snan, a religious ritual where the devotees take dip in river water. Devotees believe that, it purifies all sins and will conclude with Mohanabami and Dasami. On the last day, people bid farewell to the goddess by offering sweets and dancing on the way to idol immersion.