Durga Puja begins with heightened fervour

SHILLONG, Oct 2: Freedom from the shackles of the pandemic and its various restrictions was on full display as drum beats, pandal hopping and gastronomic treats heralded the Durga Puja festivities in the state.
Following two years of COVID-19 curbs, life and activities were thriving at the artistically decorated and dazzling puja pandals.
Several puja committees are rife with activities as participants and spectators are thronging in large numbers to regale in events like singing, dancing and other activities.
“I feel alive and I am very happy that we are celebrating the pujas this time without any COVID restrictions,” said Abhishek More.
The city streets was more crowded than usual as pandal hoppers, some on foot and others in vehicles moved from one location to the other across the city.
Female dhakis (drummers) at the Laban Harisabha puja pandal garnered a lot of attention. Temporary kitchens were set up to serve prasad to the devotees after a two-year break.
Atul Bora who was visiting the Rilbong puja pandal with his family said, “This is what we were missing in the last two years. This is a celebration after toil, victory of good over evil.”
The decoration at Kench’s Trace drew a lot of crowd with the neatly illuminated iconic wooden bus of Shillong proving to be a popular spot for selfies lovers.
In Khasi Hills, there are 126 community puja pandals, 11 in Jaintia Hills and 120 in Garo Hills districts, with many of the puja committees celebrating their silver, golden, diamond and platinum jubilees. The Laban Harisabha committee is celebrating its 127th Durga Puja.
Different kinds of competitions have also been lined up in various puja pandals. The popular drum-beat competition will be held at Rilbong from 10 am on October 3 and is sure to draw a large crowd.
It may be mentioned that a series of routine joint meetings between CPC, puja committees and the civil & police administration have been held to ensure peaceful celebration. The Police department has deployed round-the-clock security at all puja pandals in Greater Shillong region as well as other district/sub-division of the state.