JOWAI: Durga Puja celebration in Nartiang village, the erstwhile summer capital of the Jaintia King or the Sutnga Rajas, began with the performing of various rituals by the head of the Niamtre – the Dolloi along with his ministers including the Pator, Lyngdoh besides the ‘pujaree’ or the priest and others, in the wee hours of Tuesday.
According to secretary, Dolloi Elaka Nartiang, Joe Dkhar, a group of faithful go to fetch the holy water from river Myntang at 3 AM which is followed by decoration of the deity. It may be mentioned that residents of Nartiang village, particularly those belonging to the traditional faith celebrate Durga Puja in a traditional style.
After the first day of the Puja, Wednesday would be a rest day. On Thursday, a ritual called ‘Ka Pom Blang’ or ‘goat sacrifice’ will be performed in front of the Jayantee Devi Temple popularly known as ‘Durga Temple’.
On Wednesday mid-night the goat is dressed in the form of a human to symbolize human sacrifice which was practiced by the Jaintia Kings hundreds of years ago.
The Puja will be culminate on Friday when the image of the Mother Goddess, represented by a decorative plantain trunk, will be immersed into the sacred waters of the Myntang River.
