Shillong: The Garo Hills region prepares for Durga Puja this Saturday, October 17. Residents across the area have built 137 pandals to mark the occasion. These celebrations make up over 60 percent of the 237 pujas occurring throughout Meghalaya. Organizers expect high turnout from various communities during the festival.
The Central Puja Committee of Garo Hills oversees the logistics. They coordinate with police and local authorities to keep the peace. Committee secretary Arup Nag remains optimistic about the event. "We have been working with the administration, police and line departments and are happy with preparations," Nag said. He noted the event highlights how Tura keeps its long-standing peace.
Festivities start with a food festival and handicraft exhibits at Tura Parade Ground. Tura alone hosts 33 pandals. West Garo Hills district accounts for 76 pujas in total. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma plans to visit between October 19 and 20. Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Agarwal will attend as the chief guest for Saptami.
Authorities have set strict rules for the event. They banned fireworks and DJs during idol immersions. The committee restricted single-use plastics and thermocol. Officials also marked a silent zone near the District Maternity and Child Hospital to protect patients. Beyond religious rites, the committee will donate 200 sarees to underprivileged women. The celebrations wrap up with the Bijay Utsav on October 29 following a traditional dhak competition in Tura.
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