In a custom that combines devotion, culture, and camaraderie, devotees came to say goodbye to Maa Durga by submerging her idols in the Brahmaputra River.
The immersion ceremonies were held at a number of ghats in Guwahati, including Lachit Ghat, Pandu Ghat, Choonsali's Joypur Ghat, and Saukuchi Ghat.
In order to preserve a serious mood, authorities made sure that processions were in order and forbade music systems at the ghats.
In order to control the massive crowds and help devotees immerse the tall sculptures, teams from the State and National Disaster Response Forces (SDRF and NDRF) were stationed at Lachit Ghat.
There was a combination of jubilation and introspection at Lachit Ghat.
Devotees who were unable to finish the procedure on Thursday were allowed to do so on Friday, but only six members from each puja committee were allowed inside to submerge their idols.
Eight idols have been submerged thus far, and this time over 400 idols are anticipated.
There are a lot of individuals from all across the city. Every safety precaution has been taken.
An official in charge of the arrangements told the media that while immersions can go on until 6 or 7 p.m., they could go on until 9 p.m. if more idols show up.
There was a sense of grief among the worshipers at the ghats despite the festive ceremony.
The celebrations were overshadowed by the recent death of cultural hero Zubeen Garg in Singapore on September 19, which left followers quiet.
"Today, we traveled from Hatigaon to immerse our Maa. A member of a puja committee commented, "This time, nobody is really excited because we lost Zubeen Da; everyone is just following the customs."
The police kept the peace and made sure everyone was secure during the immersion process, which went off without a hitch.
Chants and hymns reverberated throughout the ghats as the idols slowly sank into the river, serving as a moving reminder of dedication, cultural continuity, and the community's unity.
