Guwahati: Thousands of devotees thronged temples across the city on Sunday as Guwahati celebrated Maha Shivratri with devotion. While the sound of bells, conch shells and devotional hymns filled the air, devotees waited patiently, forming long queues, to offer prayers, milk and flowers to the deity.In the Pamohi area on the outskirts of the city, the Bhimasankar Jyotirlinga temple was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Temple secretary Henry Teran said, “More than 10,000 devotees turned up this time, and arrangements have been made for distribution of ‘prasad’. A special ‘Prahar’ Puja was held. The rituals included abhishekam, mantra chanting and continuous kirtans.”Teran added that they had arranged for adequate parking facilities near the temple premises, along with sufficient security personnel to manage traffic flow.At the city’s Bhootnath Shiv Mandir, around 6,000-7,000 devotees gathered to witness a cultural programme. Prashanta Choudhury, a member of the temple committee, said along with the puja, they had organised a traditional Nagada dance by female dancers. “Around 15–20 dancers performed, having arrived from different districts of Assam,” he said.Police personnel from various stations were deployed to maintain traffic control and ensure smooth movement around the temple complexes. Makeshift tents were also set up for distribution of ‘prasad’ to devotees, commuters, and passersby throughout the day.At Nabagraha’s Niramuhia Shiv Mandir, one of the largest pujas was organised, drawing a large number of devotees. Now in its 30th year, the festival was marked by the presence of several spiritual leaders.
