MUSHALPUR, Oct 3 - Celebration of Navaratri got under way at the avian shrine Maina Pokhari Bhuichampa Devi and Pathibhara Devi atop Dihira Proposed RF near the Indo-Bhutan border of Baksa district on October 1.
Navaratri is celebrated from Pratipada to Dashami according to Hindu calendar here.The Goddess will be worshipped in nine incarnations during these nine days of austere rituals.The celebration began with worship of Sailaputri on the first day. It will be followed by worship of Brahmacharini on the second day, Chandraghanta on the third day, Kushmanda on the fourth day, Skandamata on the fifth day, Katyayani on the sixth day, Kalratri on the seventh day, Mahagouri on the eighth day and Sidhidatri on the ninth day of Navaratri. Rudri path, chandi path, hom-jajna, arati, kirtan bhajan and partaking of prasad will mark the nine days celebration that will conclude with tilak pradan on Dashami or Dusehra.
It is noteworthy that there is no custom of animal sacrifice or worship of clay idols at Maina pokhari which is a natural pond atop Dihira proposed RF. Bathou puja will also be celebrated at Maina pokhari during these days.
Traders body�s appeal: The Baksa District Chambers of Commerce has appealed to all organisations not to call bandhs or blockades during the festivals of Durga Puja, Bathou Puja, Muharam, Laxmi Puja and other autumnal festivals.
In his appeal, Ripendra Swargiary, president of the traders� body as well as the president of Mushalpur Town committee said that both small and big traders as well as vehicle owners have already been greatly affected by frequent bandhs and blockades called by different organisations in the last couple of weeks. As all kinds of traders look forward especially to these festivals for doing their business and invest their savings, any kind of bandhs or blockades called during these festival days ruins them. Besides, it is the high time of business for the vehicle owners and great inconvenience is caused to the puja revelers by such bandhs.
Mahalaya observed: Mahalaya was observed in different parts of Baksa district on September 30. Mahalaya which falls on Amavasya, is the last of the fourteen days of offering shraddha to the departed parents, forefathers and every departed holy soul for their peace in their eternal abode. During these 14 days of shraddha, non-vegetarian foods, onion, garlic are prohibited in the families who observe these rituals. It is a religious custom of the Hindus to worship the forefathers before going for any celebration or festivals. Celebration of Navaratri begins from the next day of Mahalaya.
