GUWAHATI, Oct 18 � The curtains came down on the five-day Durga Puja festivities which ended peacefully with the ceremonial immersion of the idols of the Goddess across the State on Sunday. The festival of Dusshera was also celebrated on the day.
The celebrations on the day before, ie., the Maha Navami day, however, were greatly dampened by heavy showers in many parts of the State including the capital city of Guwahati.
The situation was pathetic in the city as heavy showers in the morning hours led to unprecedented water-logging with most of the roads, streets, and residential areas experiencing inundation for almost the entire day. In some areas, the water could recede only the next day.
The rains totally upset the citizens� plans for a festive Maha Navami, as they had to endure a harrowing time caught in knee- to waist-deep water in many areas. The city wore a deserted look during the day with waterlogged roads making it very difficult for vehicles to ply.
By evening, some people were seen braving the ordeal to visit the puja mandaps at a few places that witnessed some improvement in the inundation. On the whole, however, it was an eminently forgetful day for the devout and the puja-reveller alike.
With the weather clearing the next day, ie., the Bijoya Dasami day, large crowds were seen during the immersion of the idols at the designated ghats on the Brahmaputra. Many people watched the procession for the immersion ceremony from the roadside. Some of the revellers, however, were in an inebriated condition and their offensive behaviour marred the puja spirit.
The city roads witnessed prolonged traffic congestions during the immersion processions.
The administration made elaborate arrangements for the immersion, and no untoward incident was reported during immersion. The immersions continued late into the night.
Dusshera was also celebrated in a befitting manner at the Nehru Stadium in the city witnessed by a large gathering. Colourful fireworks lit up the evening sky as giant effigies of the demon king Ravana were set afire, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
