Rain fails to dampen festive spirit on Maha Ashtami in Manipur

Durga Puja celebrations have picked up across the Northeast on Maha Ashtami, with lakhs of devotees flocking to puja pandals and praying to Goddess Durga. Meanwhile in Manipur capital Imphal,

Durga Puja celebrations have picked up across the Northeast on Maha Ashtami, with lakhs of devotees flocking to puja pandals and praying to Goddess Durga.

Meanwhile in Manipur capital Imphal, early morning showers failed to dampen the festive spirit of the people.

Despite rains playing spoilsport, devotees thronged the Hiyangthang-Lairembi Temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Hiyangthang-Lairembi. 

Devotees, mostly women and young girls in traditional attire braving the morning rain thronged the Hiyangthang-Lairembi temple in the earling morning hours today. 

Hiyangthang-Lairembi temple located on top of a hillock is located about 10 kilometers towards the south of Imphal.

The third day of Durga Puja or the eighth day of Navratri is Maha Ashtami.

In Manipur, this auspicious day is known as BOR.

Maha Ashtami, also known as Ashtami, is widely observed throughout the country. This auspicious day is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, one of Maa Durga’s nine avatars known as Navdurgas. 

The celebrations on Maha Ashtami day begin with mahasnan, or a grand bath to cleanse oneself of impurities. 

Following this ritual, devotees install nine small pots to invoke Goddess Durga’s nine Shaktis. 

During Maha Ashtami Puja, all nine forms are worshipped. 

Devotees should also dress in new clothes for the ceremony and offer yellow flowers, halwa, puri, and black chickpeas to Maa Mahagauri.

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