Shillong: There will be 257 communities and five Durga Pujas across Meghalaya this year with the largest number of 64 to be organized in the State capital Shillong, the Central Puja Committee (CPC) said on Friday.
“Since there is a relaxation of COVID-19 protocols in force and Corona infection is in declining in Meghalaya along with the rest of the country, all Durga Puja Committees are making preparations to celebrate the incoming festival with pomp and gaiety,” CPC General Secretary, J.L. Das said.
In Shillong city, the Sonathan Dharmasabha (Harisabha), Laban will be celebrating its 127th year of the pujas, Assomiya Naamghar (Ruprekha), Lower Jail Road, and Laban Namghar will celebrate 100 years of the pujas, Kench’s Trace Durga Puja Committee will celebrate 75th year, AC Lane Durga Puja Committee, Police Bazar will celebrate 75th year, Shree Shree Rajasthan Durga Puja Committee, Lukier Road will celebrate over 60 years of puja, Oakland-Biver Road Durga Puja Committee and Laban Shiv Mandir will celebrate 50 years.
In Garo Hills, Thakubari Durga Puja Committee, Tura and Babupara Sarbajanin Dugaustsav Committee, Mohendragang will celebrate its 75th year, and Chandabhoi Durga Puja Committee, Dalu will celebrate the 50th year.
“The CPC will organize one of the much-acclaimed events, CPC’s 28th ‘All faith, all religion ‘Get-together of Harmony’ on September 28 at Kench’s Trace Puja Pandal on the occasion of its Platinum Jubilee Celebration this year.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will attend the function as chief guest and leaders of all faiths and religions, politicians, trade unions leaders, prominent NGOs, and academicians will attend the function as special guests and Invitees,” Das said.
“The CPC, Meghalaya is very concerned with the environment, particularly Wah Umkhrah, the lone immersion ‘ghat’ in Shillong located at the bank of river Wah Umkhrah, Polo. The CPC will undertake a cleaning drive after the immersion,” he said.
Dad said the District Police Administration shall deploy round-the-clock security to all Durga Puja Pandals of Greater Shillong in particular and in the other district/sub-division of Meghalaya in general during ensuing Durga Puja days.
“The security personnel will also be deployed at all vulnerable points in Greater Shillong and Police City Patrol Van will make frequent patrolling in the city,” he informed.
