SHILLONG: The Puja celebrations kicked off with the annual harmony meet of religious leaders from different faiths at the Jail Road Puja pandal here on Saturday.
The customary annual get together was organized by the Central Puja Committee (CPC). The Jail Road Puja Committee will celebrate its centenary year this time.
Addressing the gathering, Governor KK Paul said that Dura Puja celebrations in Meghalaya reflect the enthusiasm of various communities through social convergence which strengthens ties among people.
Dr Paul observed that the congregation depicted harmony of hearts and reflected the aspirations of those gathered to reinforce their bonds of brotherhood.
Jail Road Centenary Celebrations Committee secretary, Shyamal Dey informed that the Jail Road Puja Committee (JPC) was formed in 1914 with Bipin Behari Sen, Prasanna Kumar Dutta and Avinesh Choudhury as the founder members.
“The plot of land where the Puja pandal stands was donated to the Jail Road Society Hall by the then British Government in 1914,” Dey informed.
The proud JCCC secretary also said that the JPC is known to construct the best Puja pandals in the city.
“We are happy to be able to maintain our standards despite several constraints,” Dey said adding that the budget estimate has been doubled this year to a total of Rs 30 lakh to ensure smooth celebrations.
Meanwhile, CPC president, Naba Bhattacharjee informed that the land in which the puja pandal stood in Jail Road has historical significance since the place was visited by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 1937 to install the Gopinath Bordoloi Government. Earlier, the religious leaders representing various faiths also addressed the gathering.