TURA, May 12: The Pabuni Puja (Koch National Festival), was celebrated by the Koch community at Chenga Benga, Gandhipara in South West Garo Hills. The festival was organized by the Meghalaya Koch Association and Meghalaya Koch Students’ Union.
During the festivities, villagers congregated at the Pabuni shali (Shrine), where the deusi (Priest) led rituals, accompanied by the assistance of Chathung laoni. Offerings of Chokot (Rice beer) and Fap (Rice cake) were made to the goddess, symbolizing protection for both the cattle and villagers.
The ritual culminated in a lively dance, with traditional instruments filling the air with music and the spirit of camaraderie. The central prayer, “O’ Pabuni ame, Nok bhora morot dong, Chasang bhora mai, Goli bhora masu dong Morot, masu, tao, wak, purung pelem tonghun bakimung ning wai riki lito lito,” encapsulated the reverence and gratitude expressed towards the goddess.
The Pabuni festival venerates nature and love, with the belief that the deity, situated under a grand banyan tree adorned with decorated bamboo posts, is the source of all natural elements and the essence of love within human hearts.
