It’s the time of the year when the fragrance of the ‘shiuli’ flowers blends with the autumn breeze to herald Durga Puja, the annual occasion when goddess Durga is commemorated for conquering the demon king Mahishasura signifying the victory of good over evil.
The city is gripped with religious fervour with the celebrations of Navratri that started from Thursday. Devotees flocked to temples and organised kalash sthapna to get a glimpse of gods and goddesses.
Not only in Kalibari but a good crowd was also seen in Aamra Shobai Club in Sonari which has been organising the Durga Puja. The Children of Ramakrishna, a socio-spiritual organisation in Sidhgora too is organising the puja.
Men and women waited in two different queues right to the temple gate and flowers. Security personnel along with volunteers of the temple were deployed all along the path to guide the devotees.
Elaborate security arrangements are being made by the police to maintain peace during the puja period. RAF jawans were seen patrolling the main thoroughfares and all the important places in the city. Police personnel were also deployed in civil dress to keep an eye on miscreants.
With an aim to ensure a peaceful Durga Puja the East Singhbhum administration has made elaborate arrangements. The administration deployed adequate policemen and paramilitary personnel to prevent any untoward incident.
Several sensitive areas have been identified and Rapid Action Force jawans will be posted accordingly.
A total of 265 magistrates and a large number of police officers will be deployed to oversee law and order machinery on the penultimate day and on the procession day of the festival.
With the city all decked up and elaborate security arrangements in place, denizens have ushered in Durga Puja - the five-day socio-cultural carnival that comes with the religious observance .
About 320 puja pandals adoring the city have turned into an exotic location where radiant faces of the people speak volumes of the importance of the festival. The artistically carved idols of Goddess Durga are also attracting the devotees a lot.