Joyous start to Durga Puja in Meghalaya

Shillong: Durga Puja began on a joyous note across Meghalaya with people visiting various Puja pandals on Saptami on Saturday.The Central Puja Committee (CPC), Meghalaya, a co-ordinating body of all Puja committees, Hindu institutions, mandir and festival committees had organised an all-faith get-together of harmony on October 18 on the Hindu Mission premises in the city to herald in the Pujas with participation from all sections of society.“This year, there are 243 community and 11 private Durga Pujas in Meghalaya, including 123 in the Khasi Hills, 11 in the Jaintia Hills and 116 in the Garo Hills, totalling 250,” said JL Das, the general secretary of the CPC, Meghalaya.There are 64 community and eight private Durga Pujas in state capital Shillong. One of CPC’s popular drum-beating competitions will be held on October 22 (Mahashtami) from 10.30 am at Puja pandal of Rilbong Durga Puja committee, Shillong. A series of routine joint meetings between CPC/puja committees and district civil and police administration were held where points/issues relating to peaceful celebration of Durga Puja Festival were discussed.Meanwhile, cultural programmes and various competitions are being held in the Puja pandals, attracting the youth and elders alike.On the other hand, several visitors from other states have also come over to Meghalaya for Puja vacation.“Guesthouses at Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and other places, including Dawki, near the Indo-Bangla border are packed with visitors, mostly from West Bengal and neighbouring Assam,” said the driver of a local tourist taxi.Visitors are also thronging the over 600-year-old Durga temple at Nartiang in the Jainta Hills, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

Durga Puja festivities begin today amid magnificent pandals

The Bengali community in Mumbai is gearing up to celebrate the five-day Durga Puja festival. Various Puja events will be held in different suburbs, showcasing unique themes and designs. The Kallol Durga Puja in Goregaon is based on Santiniketan University, while the Ananda Utsav Durga Puja in Goregaon West highlights nostalgia. The Maitree Cultural Association's Durgotsav in Malad offers a classic sit-down feast experience, and the Bhoomi Park Durgotsav focuses on authenticity with resources sourced from Bengal and Kolkata. Meanwhile, Kandivli will host the HRCWA Durgotsav and Krishti's Durga Puja with distinct themes and performances.

From temples to Chandrayaan, pandals deck up for Durga Puja

Durga Puja celebrations in Noida are showcasing traditional themes, with pandals dedicated to Brahma Dwar, Kedarnath Temple, and West Bengal and Tripura's heritage. However, a Chandrayaan-themed pandal in Ghaziabad stands out with a recreated Vikram lander and a talking robot. The celebrations also include cultural programs, dance competitions, and food stalls. The aim is to promote traditional arts and crafts, as well as science and astronomy. Some pandals also focus on empowering women, with all-women-led committees and women priestesses.

Happy Durga Puja 2023: Best messages, quotes, wishes, and images to share on Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and showcases the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal. It is a time for families and communities to come together and celebrate. The festival involves intricate idol-making, traditional dances, music, and cultural performances. People visit beautifully decorated structures called 'pandals' to seek blessings from Goddess Durga and admire the artistic creations. Durga Puja also serves as an occasion for exchanging greetings, visiting loved ones, and sharing festive meals.

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