By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 4: Religious leaders from various faiths on Saturday conglomerated for the 30th Annual All-Faith Prayer get-together as they collectively prayed for peace and goodwill ahead of the festivities.
The event was organised at the Jagannath Mandir, Thana Road, by the Shillong Hindu Dharma Sabha Durga Puja Committee in collaboration with the Central Puja Committee (CPC).
This year’s event also marked the 125th anniversary of the Shillong Hindu Dharma Sabha.
The event commenced with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp and the chanting of Jagannath hymns.
Meghalaya Governor, CH Vijayashankar, who was the chief guest, led the prayers, encouraging continued dialogue between religious communities.
Praising the committee for promoting interfaith dialogue, the Governor said, “This gathering showcases the spirit of togetherness and cultural harmony that Shillong is known for. It is heartening to see how different communities come together each year to celebrate unity.”
Religious leaders from various faiths—Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and Buddhist—participated in the event, offering collective prayers for peace and harmony.
This interfaith gathering, now in its 30th year, has become a hallmark of Shillong’s Durga Puja celebrations.
During the event, CPC president, Naba Bhattacharjee, emphasised the importance of the event in bringing communities together during the festive season.
“So this is how we got together to usher in the festival season with all our friends from different faiths and religions. Durga Puja is followed by Eid, Guru Nanak’s birthday celebrations, Christmas, Buddha Purnima, and others. Although there may have been aberrations in community life, as far as religious discord is concerned, we have a totally clean slate. We all stand by each other,” Bhattacharjee said, adding that this tradition of the all-faith prayer meet is one that others across the country look up to.
Other highlights of the programme were cultural performances, including songs by members of the CPC Women’s Wing, and traditional dance and music.