Guwahati prepares for Durga Puja with themed pandals and crowd management measures

Guwahati is preparing for the Sharadiya Durga Puja festivities, with over 500 public and personal celebrations expected across the city. Various puja committees have announced elaborate themes for their pandals, including designs inspired by the Kedarnath Temple, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and a Thai museum. Budgets for these celebrations range from Rs 13 lakh to Rs 60 lakh, with many committees employing artisans from West Bengal to craft idols and structures.

To manage large crowds and long wait times, the Bishnupur Sarbajanin Durga Puja Committee near Fatasil Ambari is introducing an optional online ticketing system. For Rs 199, visitors can access a special queue intended to provide a quicker darshan. The committee stated the initiative is a response to overcrowding and safety concerns, such as pushing and shoving, and will limit ticketed visitors to between 400 and 500 people per day. While the move has sparked debate regarding the commercialization of religious festivals, organizers emphasize that the regular queue remains free and accessible to all.