With the advent of Durga Puja, residents of Silchar enjoy the festive spirit. Picture by Sivashis Bhattacharjee

Silchar, Oct. 7: The heat wave that had been scorching Barak valley for the past couple of days gave way to a comfortable chill, encouraged by a light drizzle at dawn.

The air was perceptibly fresh and a celebration was clearly spelt out in the early morning breeze. The town had yet to switch off the streetlights as it was still quite dark and the rays of the sun were yet to illuminate the valley but the people were wide awake. At 4.30am, every street and road led to Sadarghat bridge as residents made a beeline for the bridge across the river to go and welcome the festivities of Mahalaya.

Mahalaya is the day to remember and honour ancestors. Tarpan, the ritual of commemorating and honouring the deceased members of the family by offering tributes by the side of a waterbody, is an integral part of Mahalaya.

Another faith that is closely associated with the day is Goddess Durga is invited to her parental home on Mahalaya. Her homecoming heralds the most awaited festival of this valley — Durga Puja. Although it is not a holiday, people do not give the chance for an extra zing of happiness the slip.

Much before sunrise, loudspeakers chanted out devotional hymns and the town was ringing in joyous celebration. The teeming millions — men, women and children — hit the streets, dressed perfectly to match the tempo of the festivity. Shops flung open their shutters, confectioners were ready with special delicacies and balloon-sellers were out with the colourful inflated spheres fluttering in the air, to try and tempt the children and young girls.

For those who wish to make some money during the festive season, Mahalaya is the day to begin the hard work. A mobile phone service provider had come out with the innovative idea of sponsoring the music system and loudspeakers on the bridge that rendered the agomoni sangeet and created the Puja mood.

Although for many this is yet another day of celebration, some people especially the older members of society, feel that the day has lost its real essence.

Silajit Guha, a senior lecturer in the department of mass communications at Assam University, said, “The whole thing like all other celebrations now has become over-commercialised. The market has invaded our celebrations now and the feelings actually part of tradition is no where in these celebrations any more.”

However, Amalendu Bhattacharjee, a senior lecturer in the department of Bengali at GC College and an acclaimed authority on folklore and folk tradition, begged to differ. “I think the whole idea of going out on Mahalaya morning is a continuity of the heritage we have inherited. It is very much part of our cultural tradition. Yes, now when a young man goes out and when a person of my age goes out, there will obviously be some difference,” he said.

The youths, however, are not bothered about such debates. “What is the harm to come out and celebrate? Maybe it is without reason. Maybe there is a reason. I don’t think we should bother even if it’s a bonus festival!” said Sanjeev Chanda, a degree student who was out with a large group of friends.

In Karimganj and Hailakandi, a large number of people braved the drizzle and was out on the streets to herald the season of celebrations. In all the three districts, policemen were seen on the streets to ward off any unpleasant event.