STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Sasthi, or 6th day of Navaratri, falls on Friday, and it marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festival. The idols, which were either brought from the workshops of the idol makers or assembled at the mandaps in the past few days, were finally revealed to the public on this day. Durga Puja committees across the city have adopted a wide range of themes for the celebrations this year. Among them, eco-friendly creativity has been the core idea behind multiple puja celebrations. The Odalbakra Durga Puja has constructed an eco-friendly pandal entirely from bamboo and cane sticks, prioritising sustainability and avoiding using thermocol and plastic. Over 1,000 pieces of bamboo have been used to construct this magnificent pandal.
The popular Maligaon Rest Camp Durga Puja has adopted an aquarium theme this year. The age-old Pandu New Colony has showcased a 60-foot-tall statue of Lord Rama commemorating their 75th anniversary. The Athgaon Durga Puja committee has adopted a tribal theme this year, while the Sluice Gate Puja committee has created a Purani Haweli-themed pandal. The theme for the Chatribari Durga Puja has been decided to be musical instruments.
Meanwhile, residents of Guwahati are looking forward to enjoying this year's Durga Puja to the fullest. One such citizen mentioned, "This year we are eagerly waiting to celebrate the puja with our family and friends. The weather is also very good this year, as the temperatures come down in the evenings. Also, the new flyover on Zoo Road has been opened, and it will provide respite from the traffic jams that have been plaguing the region."
Saptami falls on Saturday this year, while Astami is on Sunday. Navami Puja will be organised on Monday, and the final day of the celebration, or Dashami, falls on Tuesday.
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