Shillong: Meghalaya bid farewell to Goddess Durga on Wednesday. Devotees immersed idols into rivers and designated water bodies to end four days of festivities. The ceremonies finished peacefully across the state.
Shillong held large processions at the Polo immersion ghat on the banks of the Umkhrah river. Participants arrived with traditional drums and decorated vehicles. Security teams kept watch at riverbanks with rescue crews standing by. This year was a major milestone for several groups. The Rilbong Durga Puja Committee reached its centenary, while the Pynthor Umkhrah and Lumparing committees celebrated their platinum jubilees.
The Central Puja Committee of Meghalaya counted 237 pujas statewide. East Khasi Hills hosted 77 events, split between 69 community and eight residential celebrations. The Garo Hills remained the largest hub with 142 pujas. Before the main event, the Central Puja Committee hosted its 33rd All Faith-All Religion Sadbhavana Sammelan at the Rilbong Durga Puja Mandapam to promote communal harmony.
Tura led the Garo Hills festivities with 31 pandals. The immersion procession began at 1:00 pm at the Police Parade Ground and moved through town before ending at the Babupara Bisarjan Ghat after dark. Residents packed the streets to dance and sing. "Durga Puja in Tura is an absolute emotion," said resident Rahul Gupta. "No matter where we are, the yearning to return home at this time cannot be put into words."
Arup Nag, secretary of the Central Puja Committee in the Garo Hills, credited the local administration and police for the safe conduct of the festival. He thanked the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani, ADC Dolrich BG Momin, the Tura police, and various civic departments including the Tura Municipal Board and MeECL. Festivities in Tura will resume later this month with a dhak competition and musical night at the Tura Parade Ground.
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