Jorhat, Oct. 10 -- Thousands of people took to the streets of Jorhat in the early hours of the morning to celebrate Mahalaya, a significant occasion that heralds the arrival of Goddess Durga and marks the countdown to Durga Puja, one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in Assam and across the country.

Every year, people in Jorhat come out onto the streets in the early hours of Mahalaya to observe the occasion and participate in the age-old tradition. The annual gathering reflects the town's deep-rooted cultural and religious connections with the festival, as devotees welcome the festive season with prayers, hymns and traditional rituals.

The streets witnessed a lively atmosphere as people gathered to mark the auspicious day. For many,...