Maha Navami celebrations see surge of devotees

CHANDIGARH: The fourth day of Durga puja was celebrated as Maha Navami, the last day of the goddess at her paternal home. 'Pandals' in the city witnessed a heavy rush as it was a Sunday.
The day started with puja in the morning. It was followed by Chandipath, pushpanjali, prasad, yagna, maha-bhog and sandhya aarti. A variety of shows at Banga Bhawan and a play at Kalibari temple concluded the festivities of the day.
"Maha Navami is important as it marks the last day of Maa Durga at her paternal home on earth. On Dashami, she leaves for her husband's house in Kailash Parvat. Maha Navami celebrations include elaborate rituals like Maha-yagna and Maha-aarati," said Neelkanth Das from Kalibari temple in Sector 31.
On Maha Dashami (Monday), the idol of the goddess will be immersed in Ghaggar after a grand possession. Before it leaves the 'pandals', Darpan Bisarjan and Sindur Utsav will be held.
"In Bengal, the puja is held on the banks of river Ganga, as it is believed that Ganga is the route that the goddess takes to visit the earth and return to her husband's home. Then, Durga's idol is immersed in Ganga. But here, we immerse it in Ghaggar," said Basundhra Das, a devotee at Banga Bhawan.