Devotees throng temples, picnickers crowd picnic spots on New Year

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: Most of the people of Lakhimpur district started the New Year with prayers for peace, prosperity and progress to the almighty at various temples while some welcomed the year with fun and merry-making by organizing picnic parties. On the occasion of the New Year’s day, a lot of people were seen thronging the Bishnu Mandir, Shiva Mandir, Durga Mandir, Hanuman Mandir and other religious places of the district. Similarly, the picnic spots like Dirgha, Bagali, Subansiri, Ranganadi, Chesa and Gerukamukh were crowded with picnickers.

A good number of tourists visited the historic Basudev Than Naruwa Xatra in Dhakuakhona subdivision from early morning despite the cold weather. The main gate of the famous Vaishnav peeth, established in the 10th century, was opened early morning on Tuesday. The number of visitors to the Xatra from various districts of Upper Assam has increased since the Bogibeel Bridge was opened on December 25. The visitors worshipped Lord Krishna by offering xarai. On the other hand, a 350-member group of artistes from Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Sikkim, who came to Dhakuakhona in order to take part in a cultural festival organized under the aegis of North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) of Dimapur, visited the xatra wearing their traditional attires on Sunday, led by NEZCC coordinator Naba Kumar Bhorali.

The management committee of the xatra welcomed them by felicitating them with gamosa and bundles of books. The artistes of Sikkim performed Maruni folk dance, while the artists of Madhya Pradesh presented Pai Danda folk dance in the xatra premises. On the other hand, artists of Bihar showcased Bhojpuri Jumoi folk dance while artistes of Manipur presented the Lai Haruba folk dance. Academician Debendra Dev Goswami, Xatradhikar Rupendra Dev Goswami, Deka Xatradhikar Bhupendra Dev Goswami, and the president and secretary of the management committee of the xatra expressed great satisfaction at the visit of these artists.

Also read: Political Leaders extend New Year greetings to all