Guwahati/Jorhat/Biswanath Chariali, Oct 16: The wait is nearly over as Assam prepares to welcome Goddess Durga on Mahasashthi, the sixth day of Durga Puja, with elaborately decorated pandals, intricate idols and traditional rituals setting the stage for five days of festivities.
As the sound of dhak, conch shells and temple bells prepares to fill the air, puja committees across the state are making final arrangements to welcome devotees from this evening.
From the ceremonial unveiling of the goddess to the illumination of pandals, Mahasashthi marks the beginning of the much-awaited public celebrations. Priests will perform traditional rituals, including bodhan, amontron and adhibakh, symbolising the awakening and invocation of the goddess.
The beautifully crafted clay idols, now complete with their final artistic touches, are ready to take centre stage as devotees prepare to offer prayers.
This year, the celebrations are marked not only by elaborate temple-inspired pandals but also by creative expressions of local identity, environmental consciousness and social concerns.
Jorhat welcomes devotees with elaborate themed pandals
In Jorhat, more than 90 Durga Puja pandals are preparing to welcome devotees, with several committees drawing inspiration from renowned temples across India.
The Lichubari Puja pandal has adopted a Jagannath Puri-inspired design, while the JPR Jungchan Puja Committee has recreated the architectural appeal of the Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh.
The Rupahi Ali pandal draws inspiration from Adiyogi, while the Kushal Kowar Path pandal features elements inspired by a revered devi temple of Madhya Pradesh.
For the JPR Jungchan Puja Committee, this year's celebrations carry added significance as the puja completes 75 years.
The puja pandal at JPR Jungchan Puja Committee
“This year marks the 75th anniversary of our Durga Puja, and we have drawn inspiration from the Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Our pandal will stand over 80 feet tall. We have also arranged daily cultural programmes and bhog for devotees,” a committee representative said.
At Kushal Kowar Path, organisers are combining religious devotion with an appeal for environmental responsibility. The pandal incorporates eco-conscious design elements, while paying tribute to singer Zubeen Garg.
“This year's pandal draws inspiration from the Siddheshwari Mata Temple in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. We are also incorporating elements in tribute to Zubeen Garg, alongside a message of environmental conservation. We urge people to avoid plastic and thermocol, which contribute to urban flooding. We have tried to minimise their use, and even the lion's teeth in our pandal have been crafted using cloth and plaster of Paris,” a member of the Matadi Temple Puja Committee at Kushal Kowar Path said.
Beyond the temple replicas, the pandals reflect the creativity of local artisans and the collective effort of community members. Organisers have emphasised local craftsmanship and environmentally conscious construction, making the celebrations an expression of both faith and civic responsibility.
The combination of intricate artistry, cultural programmes and devotional rituals is expected to draw large crowds to Jorhat's pandals over the coming days.
Biswanath Chariali pandal highlights flood-hit Sivasagar
In Biswanath Chariali, the Madhya Kochgaon Durga Puja pandal is attracting attention for a striking artistic installation by noted painter Neelim Mahanta.
His painting depicting flood-affected Sivasagar has emerged as a key attraction, bringing the devastating impact of floods into the festive setting. The artwork adds a poignant dimension to the celebrations, reminding visitors of the challenges faced by communities affected by recurring floods.
As evening approaches, pandal illumination, devotional music and ceremonial rituals are expected to transform towns and cities across Assam. Organisers are making final preparations while keeping administrative guidelines and safety measures in mind.
For devotees, Mahasashthi marks the beginning of a spiritual journey filled with prayers, cultural gatherings and community celebrations. For artisans and organisers, it is the culmination of weeks of hard work.
Across Guwahati, Jorhat and Biswanath Chariali, the preparations reflect the many dimensions of Durga Puja. As the goddess is welcomed onto the altar, Assam stands ready to immerse itself in the spirit of Durga Puja.