Thaindian News

Shillong, Oct 6 (IANS) Four days of revelry and merriment came to an end Thursday as idols of goddess Durga and her four children were immersed by teary-eyed devotees in rivers across Meghalaya on Bijoya Dashami.

The banks of the Umkhrah river and other rivers wore a festive look, as puja organisers came in colourful processions to the accompaniment of drums to immerse idols of the goddess and her four children.

Hundreds of devotees, including the young, joined hands to gently lower the idols into the river.

“The immersion ceremony symbolises the end of the goddess’ annual sojourn to her paternal home and she returns to her husband Lord Shiva at their heavenly abode in Mount Kailash,” said Amit Majumdar, a devotee.

Tight security arrangements were made at the river banks and launches were kept ready to rescue people in case of emergencies, police said.