Muzaffarpur: A flood of devotion enveloped Muzaffarpur on Mahanavami as lakhs of devotees gathered to seek the blessings of Maa Durga. The entire city was infused with spiritual fervor, with people fully immersed in worship at the Durga Maa pandals, where the special decorations received widespread appreciation.
As evening approached, a massive crowd assembled to pay their respects to Durga Shakti. The atmosphere was charged with devotion as devotees chanted hymns and praises in reverence to the goddess. Key areas like Kalyani Chowk and the Durga Puja pandal near Saraiyaganj Tower became focal points for worship, attracting large numbers of people. Members of various committees worked diligently to serve the influx of devotees, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.
Devotees also flocked to the Juran Chhapra Mahamaya Sthan temple, where long queues formed as people waited to offer their prayers and receive blessings. Special prasad was arranged for the visitors, and many devotees were seen gratefully accepting offerings from Goddess Durga.
However, the festive spirit was marred by significant traffic congestion and crowd control issues. A stampede-like situation developed late in the evening, particularly among families with children who were attending the fair. Many individuals faced considerable delays in movement, leading to distress among children and their caregivers.
Local residents promptly alerted senior officials about the situation. A substantial police presence was dispatched to manage the crowd and restore order, allowing traffic to resume. The Akhadaghat bridge, in particular, experienced severe congestion, leaving people, especially children, stuck for hours. In some cases, individuals’ health deteriorated due to the extended wait, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere.
Despite the challenges, the celebrations of Maa Durga’s devotion brought the community together in faith and unity.
