CORRESPONDENTS
SIVASAGAR/DEMOW: Mahashivratri Puja and Mela began on Friday evening, with Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways & AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal formally announcing the opening of the mela (fair). Earlier, the Union Minister paid obeisance at the historic 18th century Shiva Dol, situated on the banks of the historic Borpukhuri.
Since early morning on Saturday, amid chiming of bells and chanting of mantras, devotees formed serpentine queues outside the Shiva Dol to offer obeisance on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Police have also made elaborate security arrangements in and around the Shiva Dol premises for the mega religious celebration, which will end with a cultural programme on February 21. According to organizers, renowned Bollywood singer Dr Anuradha Paudwal will perform in the cultural programme of the closing ceremony of the 5-day Mahashivaratri festival.
The Shikhara-style Shiva Dol was constructed in 1734 by Bor Raja Queen Ambika, wife of Ahom Swargadeo Shiva Singha beside the historic Borpukhuri. It is believed to be one of the highest Shiva temples of the country measuring 104 feet in height and crowned with an 8-feet high golden dome.
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