‘Dhak competition’ brings curtains down on Tura Puja

TURA: Wrapping up the Durga Puja festivities in Garo Hills, ‘Dhak Competition-cum-Cultural Function’ was held at the Tura Police Parade Ground on Thursday evening where skilled drummers from the various puja pandals of the town contested for the winner’s title.
General Secretary of CPC Meghalaya for the last 25 years, Jayantalal Das was the chief guest on the occasion and was felicitated by the CPC Garo Hills during the programme.
Speaking during the function, Das thanked the people of Meghalaya, especially the 242 puja pandals of the state for observing peaceful celebration of the Durga Puja. Informing that the theme for the celebration this year was ‘Plastic and Polythene free Puja’, he said that each puja pandal had achieved 95 per cent success in observing the festival pollution-free.
He also informed that Goddess Durga idols for the celebration this year were made from materials which are eco-friendly and free from chemical hazards to ensure that there is very little chance of water and environment pollution.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, who also attended the function, said he was pleased to see the huge turnout. He appealed to the citizens of the town to keep their surroundings clean and not indulge in random dumping of garbage. Later, the chief guest also handed over prizes to the winning puja pandals in various categories.
Earlier, President of CPC Garo Hills, CB Chetry welcomed the gathering including the members of CPC Meghalaya and offered best wishes for the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations.