Guwahati: As Durga Puja celebrations drew to a close, Guwahati bid farewell to Goddess Durga with immersion processions, final prayers and lingering festive memories.The city’s days of colourful pandals, crowded streets and community gatherings culminated in the traditional immersion of idols. Across Guwahati, 10 prominent pandals stood out for their distinctive themes and intricate decorations, reflecting months of planning by puja committees, artists, electricians, decorators and volunteers.Some committees experimented with unconventional materials, while others drew inspiration from religious establishments and India’s diverse cultural heritage. Their creations attracted visitors throughout the festivities.For organisers, the celebrations marked the culmination of months of work, long hours, careful coordination and last-minute challenges.“Months of extensive preparations have finally rewarded us with this beautiful and fulfilling moment. Seeing everything come together so beautifully makes our hard work worthwhile,” said Biswajit Paul, secretary of Azad Hind Club.Beyond the decorations, the festival brought warmth to the city. Families visited pandals, friends reunited, and neighbourhoods remained lively as people exchanged greetings and spent time together. For many, the celebrations were as much about loved ones and shared moments as they were about religious devotion.The immersion of the idols brought an emotional close to the festivities. Devotees gathered to offer final prayers before the idols were taken for visarjan. Processions, chants and traditional rituals marked the closing chapter of a festival that had brought people together across neighbourhoods and communities.“We have been working for months to bring our ideas to life. Seeing people come here, appreciate our work and celebrate together makes all the effort worthwhile,” said Uttam Seal, pandal secretary of the West Kamakhya Colony Durga Puja Committee.As Guwahati returns to its usual rhythm, the decorations will give way to everyday life. But memories of the pandals, time spent with family and friends, and the collective spirit of the festival are likely to endure long after the last idol has been immersed.
