On the evening of October 11, the streets of Uzab Bazar in Guwahati were filled with light. The River Brahmaputra sparkled in the sunset, and the sounds of Dussehra celebrations echoed in the background. The narrator remembered a conversation with Himashri Mohanta, a young Assamese teacher, who said, “Durga Puja celebrates female power. Goddess Durga is the first feminist; she is complete on her own.”
Entering the Pandal
Although not a Hindu and never having visited a pandal, the narrator felt drawn to a beautiful pandal that looked like a golden palace. Along with her Naga friend Marlyn, she pushed through the large crowds, undeterred by the muddy ground from recent rains. Once inside, they were surrounded by prayers, chants, and the sweet smell of incense. The statue of Durga stood tall, radiating strength and energy. The festival celebrates her nine forms of feminine power during Navratri, culminating in the immersion of her idol in the Brahmaputra, symbolising her return to the divine.
The Festival Spirit
The next morning, October 12, the streets were alive with excitement. People dressed in bright clothes and smeared with red Holi powder filled the roads. This was the highlight of the festival when the clay statues of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya would be immersed in the river. The crowds were so dense that it was hard to see anything unless one was close by.
The atmosphere was vibrant with faith and unity as families and friends celebrated together, exchanging gifts and sharing meals. From the seventh to the tenth day of the lunar month of Ashwin, Durga Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm, bringing the community of Guwahati together in joy and harmony.
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