Devotees across Assam offer prayers to 'Maa' on Durga Puja, seek protection from COVID

Durga Puja

Guwahati: In spite of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Durga puja celebrations across the state of Assam are officially underway. Although the footfall at the pandals has dramatically reduced and incessant rains have played spoilsport, devotees in all the districts of the state have been observing the puja in their own special manner.

In Guwahati, the Kamakhya Shaktipeeth has once again started welcoming visitors once again and devotees have flocked to seek blessings. Movement inside the temple has been restricted and limited only to certain areas. Moreover, COVID-19 tests have been made mandatory for all visitors.

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Despite the COVID-19 casting a shadow over the Durga Puja festivities in Assam, some pujas were held for the first time ever. In Assam's Baksa district, the villagers of Bhauraguri organized a puja for the first time ever. Although the enthusiasm was a bit lacking this time around, the villagers of this nondescript village too prayed for deliverance from the COVID-19.

In Barpeta, celebrations were held in many of the temples where the yearly festival is usually celebrated.

Meanwhile, in Jorhat, the festivities are underway at the 1794-built BurhiGuxani temple where the Asthmi was celebrated by observing all the rites and rituals. Despite the trickling rain, devotees were seen entering the historic Shakti Peeth and offering their prayers.

Notably, most of the devotees could be seen wearing masks and observing social distancing.