Shillong: Shillong streets glowed Friday as residents crowded pandals to start Durga Puja. Streets and homes lit up to welcome the festival. Police took to the streets to clear heavy traffic near major sites. The event lasts until October 21. Locals plan to wrap up the party with idol immersions at the Polo ghat.
Meghalaya organizers set up 237 pujas this year. East Khasi Hills accounts for 77 of those, split between 69 community events and eight residential gatherings. Several groups celebrate big milestones this season. The Rilbong Durga Puja Committee marks its centenary. Meanwhile, Pynthor Umkhrah and Lumparing committees observe their platinum jubilees.
Religious unity took center stage before the main events began. The Central Puja Committee hosted the 33rd All Faith-All Religion Sadbhavana Sammelan at the Rilbong Durga Puja Mandapam. Leaders of different faiths and traditional heads joined the discussion. Swami Hitakamananda, secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, led an interfaith prayer featuring words by Padma Shri awardee Patricia Mukhim.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar attended as chief guest. He praised the push for unity. "Although he belonged to the Niamtre faith, he had grown up believing in and practising harmony among people of different religions." Sanbor Shullai joined him to support the message. Student speakers Jason Suchiang and Shina Haokip urged more youth to join the dialogue. Organizers also handed out the Sarad Sanman awards for 2025-26 to six community contributors.
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