SHILLONG, Oct 13: Meghalaya is set to celebrate Durga Puja from October 16 to 21, with 237 pujas scheduled across the state.
Three prominent committees in Greater Shillong will mark significant milestones this year—the centenary of the Rilbong Durga Puja Committee and the platinum jubilees of the Pynthor Umkhrah and Lumparing Durga Puja Committees.
According to a press release issued by the Central Puja Committee (CPC), Meghalaya, on October 14, the celebrations will conclude with the immersion of idols on October 21 at the designated immersion ghat at Polo, Shillong.
Of the 237 pujas expected across the state, East Khasi Hills district will account for 77, including 69 community pujas and eight residential pujas. Another eight pujas are scheduled in other areas of the district, while East Jaintia Hills will have five and West Jaintia Hills three. Ri-Bhoi district is expected to host 10 pujas, while Garo Hills will account for the largest share, with 142 celebrations.
The CPC extended its congratulations to the three committees, acknowledging their contributions to religious faith, community service, social harmony and the preservation of cultural heritage.
As part of its annual programme, the CPC will organise the 33rd All-Faith, All-Religion Get Together of Harmony, titled “Sadbhavana Sammelan”, on October 15 at the Rilbong Durga Puja Mandap.
The gathering is intended to bring together people from different religious communities and promote harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The committee will also hold the 33rd Late Shiv Kumar Memorial Annual Drum Beating Competition on October 20, adding to the activities planned during the festival period.
The CPC said the necessary permissions for conducting the celebrations had already been granted by the district administration and other concerned departments. It acknowledged the cooperation and support of the District Administration, Police Administration, government departments, volunteers and other stakeholders in facilitating the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festivities.
The committee appealed to all Durga Puja committees, devotees and members of the public to observe the festival in a spirit of peace, harmony, unity and mutual respect. It also called on citizens, irrespective of religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds, to visit the pandals across Shillong and other parts of Meghalaya.
The CPC said the celebrations offered an opportunity for people to appreciate the artistic creativity, beautifully decorated pandals and cultural heritage associated with Durga Puja, while sharing in the spirit of joy, friendship and togetherness.
The committee also expressed its expectation of continued cooperation from puja organisers, government departments and the public to ensure that the celebrations were conducted peacefully throughout the state.