Mumbai, Sept 26: Idols of Goddess Durga, sitting astride a tiger, were today ushered into various homes and public 'pandals' amidst loud proclamations in praise of the deity and under the hawk-eyed vigil of over 30,000 police personnel. Gun-totting police personnel dotted the streets of the city in view of the recent unearthing of threats by terrorists to trigger of blast during the Navratri festival.
Mobile patrolling vans maintained a steady vigil in the sensitive zones as devotees offered prayers to Goddess Durga, urging her to bless the city and ensure that they were protected from the sinister designs of terrorists. Women dressed in their traditional finery, with fresh jasmine flowers strung across their hair, performed the traditional 'pooja' in honour of the deity, considered to be a manifestation of power and divine strength.
In many of the 'pandals', the statue was installed amidst the loud echoing sound of sleek conches even as the fragrant smell of incense wafted around. The air of festivity was apparent in various parts of the city as the 'pandals' decorated in bright flowers and in multi-hued coloured layers of cloth, resounded with loud hymns in praise of the deity.
Shops selling the bright coloured 'dandiya' sticks, mirror dotted 'chaniya cholis' and brightly coloured earthen pots did brisk business since late last night.
In several Maharashtrian homes, the traditional `gatstapna' was performed where the statue of Mahalaxmi was venerated. Bureau Report