TURA: The beat of the drums resonated through the air in Tura on Thursday evening bringing to a colorful close this year’s Durga Puja celebrations in the Garo Hills.
The much anticipated Dhak Competition in which drummers from different Durga Puja committees of Tura display their skills and rhythm to vie for the coveted prize of the best drummer or dhaki took place before an audience of several thousand spectators at the Police Parade Ground.
To witness this unique display of skills on the drums was the Maharaj of Cherrapunjee Ram Krishna Mission, Maharaj Anuragananda, who happened to be the guest of honour for the event.
The annual Dhak Competition organised by the Central Puja Committee of Tura is being held for well over 20 years.
Welcoming the guests and participants to the competition, CPC president C B Lamsal spoke of the significance of Durga puja celebrations and the dhak competition.
This year, as many as 14 drummers from different puja committees (mandaps) displayed different styles of drum beating as the judges took note of each dhak competitor’s style, energy, rhythm and skill.
The finalists were drawn from five different drummers and the heat was intense amongst the dhakis representing Dermile, Lower Babupara and Lower Hawakhana.
When the results were declared Lower Hawakhana Durga Puja Committee had managed to edge out the others to bag the first position in the Dhak competition.
The second position went to Dermile Durga Puja Committee while Lower Babupara had to settle for the third position.
Awards were also given out to various puja mandaps of the town based on interior design, decoration, illumination, hospitality and participation during the immersion procession.
The best Durga Puja Committee in all aspects went to the Belderpara Durga Puja Committee of Tura Bazar.
