Biplab Kr Dey
Tura, Oct 26: The Police Parade Ground in the centre of the town of Tura this evening became the centerpiece for yet another edition of the ‘Dhak’ competition with thousands thronging the venue to watch performances from local as well as out of state artistes.
The event this year took place after a hiatus of a year which meant that the organizers, the Central Puja Committee – Garo Hills chapter, added extra zeal to the proceedings of the evening. Tura MP, Agatha Sangma was the chief guest for the program and was joined by North Tura MLA and Meghalaya Speaker, Thomas Sangma, deputy commissioner, Jagdish Chelani and the CPC president, Naba Bhattacharjee along with other dignitaries. NPP youth leader Dabo M Marak was also in attendance.
The main event, the ‘Dhak’ competition was the first program that concluded with the top 5 ‘dhakis’ showing off their wares to resounding support.
The competition this year was won by Lower Hawakhana with Dermile and Thakurbari coming in joint second while Hawakhana puja committee came third. A total of 5 dhakis took part in the final after the initial round of competition.
“I want to wish each and every one of you a very Happy Durga Puja and hope you had the best time. Goddess Durga is the embodiment of courage and the truthfulness. She is also the example of the fact the good always triumphs over evil and I hope that it is the message that you will all live by in your daily lives, sad chief guest Agatha to the thousands that gathered at the venue.
A total of 32 puja committees were present this evening with enthusiastic support for the 5 best dhakis.
The state CPC president, Naba Bhattacharjee stressed during his speech that the diversity of the state can be gauged from the fact that the dominant tribes in the state were the ones helping the smooth transitioning of Durga Puja celebrations in the state.
“Without their active support, our Puja celebrations would not have been possible. I am someone who does not believe in the word uniformity. We are unique in our own ways and that is how we were meant to be. We support each other without encroaching on the space of each other. Garo Hills has been an epitome of such unity in diversity and I pray that we continue to take this forward,” said Bhattacharjee to those gathered.
Local MLA, Thomas Sangma wished everyone on the successful completion of Pujas while thanking the CPC for its part in ensuring a fun filled Pujas.
The performance by the Dhakis and speeches by the guests were then followed by a cultural program, a meme and clown artist performance followed by a guest artist singing to a rousing gathering at the ground.
“Durga Puja without the Dhak is incomplete and that is one aspect of the festival that we wanted to showcase. We are thankful to the entire administration, the police, various line departments, DC Jagdish Chelani, ADC Dolrich Momin and AVD Shira for their contribution to a very successful Puja. We will continue to hope for their support in the coming years as well,” said CPC secretary, Arup Nag.
Earlier working president CPC – GH, Pravin Panthi gave a welcome speech while explaining the significance of the Dhak to Durga Puja.