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Devotees Offer Early Morning Anjali Across Bengal on Mahashtami Amid Sombre Mood in Kolkata
- •People across Kolkata and West Bengal districts thronged Durga Puja pandals in the early hours to offer Mahashtami anjali according to prescribed timings.
- •The atmosphere at the Chorbagan Durga Puja mandap in north Kolkata was sombre following a fatal stampede that claimed 19 lives two days prior, replacing usual festivities with grief.
- •Belur Math and Kamarpukur witnessed a steady influx of devotees, while Kumari Puja was organized at several venues across the state.
- •In Cooch Behar, devotees offered early morning anjali at the centuries-old Boro Devi temple associated with the Koch dynasty.
- •Sandhi Puja, marking the transition from Mahashtami to Maha Navami with traditional offerings of 108 lotuses and lamps, was performed across the state.
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Devotees thronged Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata and West Bengal districts in the early hours of Monday to offer anjali on Mahashtami, accompanied by the chanting of mantras and hymns by priests. Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja rituals were also organised at various venues across the state.
The atmosphere at the Chorbagan Durga Puja mandap in north Kolkata was sombre due to a fatal stampede that claimed 19 lives two days prior, replacing the usual festive fervour with grief. Consequently, local residents expressed sadness and were reluctant to offer anjali there this year.
The centuries-old puja of Boro Devi in Cooch Behar is closely associated with the history and royal traditions of the Koch dynasty, having continued for more than 500 years. It remains an integral part of the region's religious and cultural heritage, featuring early morning Mahashtami anjali and a secret worship ritual known as gupta puja at night.
