A CORRESPONDENT
LAKHIMPUR: With the strict adherence to COVID-19 protocol, the autumnal festival, Durga Puja started in Lakhimpur in a sacred environment on Thursday along with the rest of the nation. The 'Akal Bodhan' of Devi Durga, that is the autumnal worship of the goddess, began with the the installation of her idol on the altar on the occasion of Maha Xosthi with the observation of traditional rituals. Though the devotees are seen coming to the Puja mandaps to pay their obeisance to the deity, the adverse situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has dampened the spirit to celebrate the festival with full enthusiasm.
This year the celebration of Durga Puja has been organized in only 38 venues across Lakhimpur district. Out of them, the deity will be worshipped at 33 venues under North Lakhimpur subdivision while the same will be done at five venues in Dhakuakhona subdivision. All arrangements have been completed to propitiate the goddess with traditional rituals at Shree Shree Panchanan Dewalaya located in the mid-floor of North Lakhimpur town, Shree Neel Dewalaya located at Gharmora Deori Gaon, Shree Shree Baithawoti Than located at Garehaga and Shree Shree Aai Padumoni Than located at Boginadi in North Lakhimpur subdivision.
Notably, the devotees have worshipped the deity in front of the permanent idols at these 'Devi Peeths', which are believed to be 'ever-awakening' shrines of the goddess. The deity will be worshipped in front of the permanent idol at North Lakhimpur Durga Mandir too.
On the other hand, the 298th Durga Puja will be celebrated with ancient tradition at Shree Shree Iswari Harrhi Dewalaya under Dhakuakhana subdivision of the district. This Dewalaya was set up by Ahom king Swargadew Gaurinath Singha in 1722, bringing a part of Kechaikhati Tamreswari Mandir of Sadia (known as Kundil by ancient name) and five families of a special community of the place. Since then, Durga Puja has been celebrated in the Dewalaya by making animal sacrifice.
Durga Puja is being organized with traditional fervour at the historic Shree Shree Ma Manipuri Aai Than along with three other venues under Dhakuakhana subdivision. The Puja celebration committees of North Lakhimpur municipal area along with Bihpuriya, Narayanpur and Dhakuakhana have already completed their arrangements to observe Maha Saptami Puja on Friday.
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