Anuj Kumar’s report from Patna. As soon as the doors of Maa Durga opened on the occasion of Shardiya Navratri in the capital Patna, crowds of devotees started gathering in the puja pandals. There was enthusiasm among the devotees since morning to have the darshan of the Mother Goddess. Grand puja pandals have been set up in many areas of the city including Boring Road, Bailey Road, Danapur. Attractive decorations, colorful lights and adorable statues of Maa Durga are attracting the attention of the devotees. There is a devotional atmosphere in the streets and puja pandals of Patna. Cheers of Jai Mata Di are echoing everywhere.
Crowds of devotees gathered in the pandals as soon as the doors opened.
With the opening of the doors of Maa Durga, devotees started reaching the pandals. Devotees are praying for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of the family after seeing the mother. Pandals have been specially decorated by many puja committees. At some places, puja arrangements have been made in traditional style, while at other places attractive decorations and artistic structures are attracting people. Special enthusiasm is visible among women, children and elderly people on this holy occasion of Navratri. People are reaching puja pandals with their families and taking blessings of Maa Durga. The brightness of the illuminated pandals is expected to increase further in the evening.
Puja pandals decorated from Boring Road to Bailey Road
Boring Road, Patna (Boring Road) and many major areas of the city including Bailey Road are witnessing the special glow of Durga Puja. Puja committees have given an attractive look to the pandals to welcome the devotees. Devotees are continuously arriving to see the idols of Maa Durga. There is a lot of activity in the shops of puja material, flower garlands and prasad around the pandals. The puja pandals established in different parts of the city are enlivening the cultural and religious tradition of Navratri. For the devotees, seeing the Mother Goddess as well as seeing the decorations of the pandals has become a special part of the festival.
Durga Puja celebrated in Danapur also
There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm regarding Durga Puja in Danapur area also. Puja pandals have been set up at various places here, where devotees are coming to have darshan of Maa Durga. Preparations have been made for the event by local puja committees. There is a religious atmosphere with worship in the pandals. The faith and enthusiasm of the people on the occasion of Navratri is visible in the city and surrounding areas. Devotees are praying to Goddess Durga for happiness, peace and prosperity.
Crowd of devotees gathered in Bengali Akhara and Kalibari
Devotees have been reaching the pandals since morning to have darshan of the Mother Goddess, where worship is done in Bengali style. Mother Katyayani was worshiped at 9.41 am on Friday morning. Bodhan rituals took place at many places including Bengali Akhara, Gardnibagh, Patna Kalibari and New Railway Colony near CDM Building. After worshiping with cloves and incense, Aarti of the Mother Goddess was performed amidst the beats of Dhak and Dhunuchi dance. In the evening also initiation and adhivasa puja took place.
Devotees participating in Maha Aarti and flower offering
After the consecration of Maa Durga, Maha Aarti and flower offering programs are organised. Rituals like Bodhan, Navpatrika Pravesh and Aarti have special importance in the worship done in Bengali style. On Saptami, devotees are offering flowers at the feet of the Mother Goddess and praying for the happiness, peace and prosperity of the family. There is a devotional atmosphere amidst religious rituals in the puja pandals.
Devotees also reached temples for the darshan of Mother Katyayani.
Crowd of devotees is also being seen in various temples of Patna for Durga Puja. Devotees are reaching other temples including Shitala Mata Temple located at Agamkuan, Badi and Chhoti Patandevi of Patna City, Akhandvasini Temple located at Golghar and Maa Siddheshwari Devi Temple. Devotees are praying for happiness, peace and prosperity after seeing the mother.
Mother’s call near the Bel tree in Gardnibagh Thakurbari
On Friday, on Ashwini Shashthi Tithi, Maa Durga was invoked near the Bel tree in Gardnibagh Thakurbari. After this, the doors of Durga Darbar were opened and Aarti was performed. As soon as the doors were opened, the devotees took darshan of the Mother Goddess and took her blessings. Now on the occasion of Saptami, there is a rush of devotees in all the puja pandals to have darshan of Maa Durga. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the devotees regarding Durga Utsav in Patna.
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Security and traffic system will be monitored
During Durga Puja, there is a possibility of increase in the crowd of devotees in major puja pandals. In such a situation, crowd control, traffic management and security arrangements become important. Devotees visiting the pandals need to be careful during darshan and follow the instructions of the administration.
There is an atmosphere of devotion and joy all around in Patna amid the celebration of Navratri. With the opening of the doors of Maa Durga, the capital is colored in the colors of Durga festival. The crowd of devotees in the puja pandals is likely to increase further in the coming days.