Mahalaya in Silchar Large Crowd of Devotees at the Barak River particularly around Sadarghat Annapurna Ghat
Mahalaya in Silchar marking the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, transformed Silchar into a city of devotion and festivity on September 21, 2025. From the early hours of the morning, thousands of devotees thronged the ghats along the Barak River, particularly Sadarghat and Annapurna Ghat, to perform Tarpan—ritual offerings in memory of ancestors. Priests chanted sacred mantras while devotees offered water, sesame seeds, and other ceremonial items to honor their departed forefathers. The ghats resonated with spiritual chants, creating an atmosphere of reverence combined with the anticipation of Durga Puja, which follows immediately after Mahalaya.
The city witnessed an overwhelming turnout as residents and visitors alike gathered to seek blessings from Goddess Durga, heralding the joyous Shardiya Durga festival. The morning procession was not only about rituals but also about cultural unity and communal participation. Security arrangements were in place with local police and CRPF personnel deployed at strategic points across the city to manage the massive crowd and ensure a peaceful celebration.
Community organizations played a vital role in enhancing the festival experience. For instance, Maa Janani Samajseba Sangathan provided refreshments and morning meals to walkers and devotees, reflecting the spirit of social service and collective harmony. Sanjay Das, the president of the organization, highlighted that the morning events also included a tribute to the recently deceased Assamese singer, Zubeen Garg, whose untimely passing deeply affected the entire state. Public homage to the cultural icon was a significant part of the Mahalaya observance in Silchar, adding an emotional layer to the spiritual celebrations.
Residents expressed their yearly excitement for Mahalaya, sharing their hopes for peace, prosperity, and happiness in their households. From early dawn, the city was alive with prayers, devotional songs, and the rhythmic chants of priests at the ghats. The morning rituals exemplified a perfect blend of spirituality, tradition, and social bonding, making Silchar a focal point for Mahalaya celebrations in Assam
Silchar Festive Spirit Community Engagement, and Cultural Tributes
The festive spirit in Silchar on Mahalaya extended beyond ritualistic practices, blending devotion with social and cultural engagement. As the morning unfolded, the city buzzed with energy, music, and anticipation of the upcoming Durga Puja. Families and groups gathered along the ghats to participate in Tarpan and offer prayers, while local organizations ensured that everyone, especially early visitors, had access to food, water, and guidance.
Security personnel meticulously managed the crowds, creating a safe environment for families, children, and elderly participants. The meticulous planning underscored the importance of Mahalaya as both a religious and a communal event in the region. The inclusion of cultural tributes further enriched the celebrations. The late Zubeen Garg, Assam’s beloved singer who passed away on September 19, 2025, was remembered through dedicated ceremonies and public homage at multiple sites in Silchar. Devotees and cultural groups paid respects while continuing the morning rituals, illustrating the integration of spirituality and regional pride.
This unique blend of devotion, festivity, and collective homage demonstrates how Mahalaya serves as a precursor to Shardiya Durga Puja, instilling joy, hope, and unity among Silchar’s residents. As the city transitioned from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha, the ghats reflected the confluence of ancestral reverence and anticipation for the goddess’s arrival. Mahalaya in Silchar not only honors tradition but also fosters a sense of communal belonging and cultural pride, making it a vivid and cherished experience for everyone involved
