Durga Puja is being celebrated in several parts of the country with traditional pomp and show. In West Bengal, people from all walks of life are visiting Durga Pandals to see idols on the Maha Saptmi day today, the first day of the four day long festival. The festivities kicked off Maha Sashti day, with the invocation of Devi Durga last evening. Our Kolkata correspondent reports that the entire city is hit by pooja fever and brilliantly decorated pandals have been set up from one end to other parts of the city. Beating of drums and blowing of micro phones have created extra punch to the entire atmosphere. The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee is taking part at his family durga pooja at native village in Miriti in Birbhum district.
To cater heavy rush of passengers eastern, south eastern and metro railways are running special trains during the pooja days. The state administration has made elaborate arrangements to maintain law and order. Close circuit television sets and watch towers have been set up at important locations and in front of pooja pandals to avoid any untoward incident.
In Assam, people from all sections came out in large number on Mahasaptami today. More than four thousand pujas are being organized this year across the state. Various puja committees have carried out awareness drive against rhino poaching, witch hunting, floods and other issues.
Durga puja is also being celebrated in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts and Dhubri, where lakhs of people were displaced due to ethnic clashes recently. Elaborate security arrangement has been made in Guwahati where around 500 pujas have been organised.
While most of the puja committees enthrall devotees with, electrifying lighting and innovative decor, some puja organizers stick to tradition.The historical durga puja of Gauripur Rajbari and Gauripur Harisabha in Dhubri completed 400 years. 128 years old wooden durga idol at Puranigudam in Nagaon district also bears exceptional craftsmanship.
In Delhi, being a metropolitan, people from all sections are celebrating the fesival. More than 250 pujas are being organized this year across the national capital. At C.R. Park, considered as mini Bengal, 10 big pujas are being held. The oldest of these is the Mela Ground Durga Puja which is into its 38 year this time.
The Delhi Police has issued special parking passes to the residents during the four-day period of the puja as vehicles from outside are not permitted inside the colonies. Various puja committees have carried out awareness drive against various social evils.
