Silchar: Thousands of people gathered at the Sadarghat and Annapurna Ghat bridges over Barak river in the early hours of Saturday to mark Mahalaya, heralding the beginning of Devi Paksha and the Durga Puja season.The city woke to chants of Chandipath, conch-shell sounds and the strains of Mahishasuramardini as devotees gathered at riverfront ghats to perform tarpan and pay homage to their ancestors.The two bridges, traditional gathering points for Mahalaya celebrations, saw a heavy turnout from before dawn. Families, youngsters and morning walkers joined the celebrations, turning the usually quiet riverfront into a lively scene of devotion and festivity.Makeshift stalls selling toys, children’s accessories and other items added to the festive atmosphere, while several organisations arranged breakfast for visitors.Security was tightened around the bridges and adjoining ghats to manage the crowds and prevent overcrowding. Police and administrative personnel remained deployed to ensure the celebrations passed off peacefully.Mahalaya marks the invocation of Goddess Durga and the transition from Pitri Paksha to Devi Paksha. The occasion holds special significance for the Bengali Hindu community and traditionally marks the start of preparations for Durga Puja, the biggest annual festival in the Barak Valley.With the celebrations drawing large crowds, puja committees across Silchar have stepped up preparations, giving final touches to pandals and decorations. Markets and shopping areas have also begun witnessing increased festive activity.
