Goddess of wealth comes to town

GUWAHATI: A festive mood prevailed in the city on Saturday as people welcomed Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, to their homes.
Markets in Maligaon, Fancy Bazar, Machkhowa, Ulubari, Paltan Bazar, Ganeshguri and Beltola were flooded with idols of the goddess and traders did brisk business by selling sugarcane, coconuts, paddy and other puja items.
"Lakshmi Puja is being celebrated in our home since the pre-Independence era.It has become a tradition now," said Sujata Saikia, a resident of the Dispur area.
People offered prayers to the goddess and decorated the courtyard of their houses with motifs made with rice powder.
Devotees, who were on a fast since morning to pay obeisance to the goddess, queued up outside the Beltola Lakshmi Mandir which is known for grand puja celebrations. Other temples, too, were decorated on the occasion.
Since Friday evening, people thronged the markets to buy idols and other items necessary for puja. In the busy Bhangagarh market, earthen lamps and other traditional items were in high demand. Shopping malls offered discounts on various food products and vegetables on the occasion. Shops selling sweets also did good business.
People said the prices of fruits, flowers and other puja items, including vegetables, have skyrocketed in the festive season. "Despite price rise, people are buying items required for puja," said a vendor at the Bhangagarh market.