In an order issued here by the DC” Durga Puja committees in East Khasi Hills have been given nine- point “guidelines” for conducting the festival “along orderly lines” .
The order is an improvement on the previous years in the sense that it has dispensed with the system of obtaining permission. Instead, puja committees are required only to register themselves.
According to the order, all puja festivities “must end” by 8 p.m. Committees interested in holding cultural programmes are required to obtain special permission” from the DC.
The other restrictions are: holding puja in any public area such: as parks, roads, govt office compounds etc ; use of loudspeakers; beating or drums (except at the time of performing puja); holding of immersion precession other than the prescribed one taken out on vehicles along pre-determined routes.
All Committees have been asked to ensure that “they do not disturb people of other communities while beating drums , ringing bells or sounding gongs”. The DC’ has also directed that “there will be no dancing in moving vehicles and the movement of all vehicles carrying images will take place in a sober and befitting manner.”
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements are being made to ensures that the festival passers off peacefully, Official sources said that all possible steps would be taken to maintain peace and tranquility.