GUWAHATI: The preparations for the annual Gopashtami Mela to be held at Athgaon Gaushala, Guwahati, on November 19 and 20 are going on in full swing. The entire Gaushala is being decked up and illuminated with colourful lights to add to the festive atmosphere.
Gopashtami is celebrated on the eighth day after Deepawali. On this day, since time immemorial, community members worship cows and offer them fodder and jaggery (gur) as a mark of their obeisance to Gau Mata. The much-awaited Mela is visited by around two lakh visitors from different walks of life, irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion. Apart from religious rituals and devotional programmes, stalls selling a variety of items, including culinary delicacies, children’s toys, etc., will be another attraction of the Mela.
Shree Gauhati Gaushala at Athgaon, founded in 1916, is completing 108 years of its existence this year and is the oldest and most popular charitable institution of the Northeast region, serving mankind without any profit motive. A sufficient number of police personnel and private security guards will be deployed, and CCTV cameras will be installed for the safety and security of the visitors. Moreover, fire tenders will also be kept on standby for any emergency situation. There will also be a swing, toy train, etc. for the entertainment of children, stated a press release.
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