Mahalaya Celebrated with Devotional Fervour in Haflong

Akhand Mandali holds dawn programme at taxi stand; Bangali Parishad organises musical presentation at Jagannath Temple

Haflong, October 10: The hill town of Haflong in Dima Hasao district witnessed a festive blend of devotion and cultural fervour on Saturday as various organisations observed Mahalaya, marking the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devipaksha, heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga and the much-awaited Sharadiya Durga Puja.

Haflong Akhand Mandali organised an early-morning Agomoni programme at the Haflong taxi stand under the initiative of the Dima Hasao District Akhand Organisation. The programme created a devotional atmosphere as devotees gathered to mark the auspicious occasion and welcome the beginning of Devipaksha. The observance reflected the enduring religious traditions and spiritual significance associated with Mahalaya.

Later in the evening, the Dima Hasao District Committee of Bangali Parishad Assam organised a special musical presentation and Agomoni programme at the Jagannath Temple premises in Haflong. The programme added a cultural dimension to the day's celebrations, evoking the emotions and nostalgia associated with traditional Agomoni songs and the arrival of Goddess Durga.

For Bengalis, Mahalaya holds a special place in the cultural and religious calendar, symbolising not only the transition from Pitru Paksha to Devipaksha but also the emotional beginning of Durga Puja. The occasion is traditionally associated with devotional hymns, the recitation of Chandi Path and Agomoni songs that evoke the arrival of the Goddess on earth.

The celebrations in Haflong also highlighted the importance of preserving cultural traditions in Dima Hasao, a district known for its diverse communities and rich cultural heritage. Such initiatives help sustain traditional practices while strengthening social and cultural bonds among people of different communities.

With Durga Puja approaching, the twin programmes at the taxi stand in the morning and the Jagannath Temple in the evening set the tone for the festive season, filling the hill town with the spirit of Mahalaya and the anticipation of the upcoming Sharadiya celebrations.