Diwali Celebrations in Guwahati
In Guwahati, Assam, the market is bustling with activity as people prepare for Diwali and Kali Puja. Shoppers are buying traditional oil lamps, known as diyas, to celebrate the festival of lights. Dilip Das, a local trader, mentioned that the prices of diyas have increased this year, but he remains hopeful for strong sales. Diyas have been brought from various parts of Assam, including Goalpara, Nagarbera, and Sonapur.
Nabarun Dutta, a customer, emphasized the cultural importance of lighting diyas during Diwali, despite the availability of modern lighting options. He believes supporting local potters is essential to preserving tradition.
Festivities at Bijni Lakshmi Mandir
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared scenes from the Lakshmi Puja festivities at Bijni Lakshmi Mandir, highlighting the vibrant celebrations and the redeveloped temple complex. The accompanying Mela attracts large crowds, showcasing Assam’s rich heritage.
Government Initiatives: Mission Basundhara 3.0 and CMAAA
Earlier, Chief Minister Sarma launched Mission Basundhara 3.0, aimed at granting land rights to indigenous people. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s Atamnirbhar Asom Abhijan (CMAAA) was introduced to support entrepreneurship. Under CMAAA 1.0, Rs. 510 crores were distributed to over 25,000 entrepreneurs. The CMAAA 2.0 aims to assist 75,000 beneficiaries, providing financial support for professional and non-professional courses.
Doubts Revealed
Diwali -: Diwali is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India, known as the Festival of Lights. People light lamps and candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
Guwahati -: Guwahati is a major city in the Indian state of Assam. It is known for its rich culture and is a hub for trade and commerce in the region.
Assam -: Assam is a state in northeastern India, famous for its tea plantations, wildlife, and vibrant festivals.
Diyas -: Diyas are small oil lamps made of clay, used during Diwali to decorate homes and temples. They are lit to bring light and joy.
Kali Puja -: Kali Puja is a festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated mainly in eastern India, including Assam. It often coincides with Diwali.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma -: Himanta Biswa Sarma is the Chief Minister of Assam, a political leader responsible for the administration of the state.
Lakshmi Puja -: Lakshmi Puja is a ritual performed during Diwali to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Bijni Lakshmi Mandir -: Bijni Lakshmi Mandir is a temple in Assam where people gather to perform religious rituals and celebrate festivals like Lakshmi Puja.
Mission Basundhara 3.0 -: Mission Basundhara 3.0 is a government initiative in Assam aimed at providing land rights to people, making it easier for them to own and manage land.
CMAAA -: CMAAA stands for Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan, a program to support entrepreneurship in Assam by providing financial aid for skill development courses.
CMAAA 2.0 -: CMAAA 2.0 is an updated version of the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan, aiming to help 75,000 people in Assam become self-reliant through entrepreneurship.
