State gears up to celebrate Diwali, Kali Puja
By Our Reporters
SHILLONG: Meghalaya is all set to celebrate both Diwali and Kali Puja on Friday with citizens making round-the-clock preparations for the celebrations. Around sixty Kali Pujas will be observed in Greater Shillong out of which thirty are community pujas and the rest are private.
“Diwali will be celebrated in every part of Meghalaya. It is a festival of light; the divine light of Deepawali will spread peace, happiness, joy and success to all,” said OP Agarwall, president, Central Puja Committee (CPC).
Meanwhile, the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner has resorted to the usual implementation of Section 144 CrPC, the banning of purchases and procurement of high-decibel crackers and fireworks.
“This restriction is not required since Meghalaya is a peaceful state, said Agarwall. “It is a time for celebration,” he added.
According to him, various organisations have coordinated to help celebrate Diwali, since this festival is celebrated all over the country amongst all communities. Shopkeepers had reported huge sales of crackers and lighting materials on the eve of the Festival of Lights.
The Matri Mandir Kali Temple, one of the oldest such institutions in the city, will observe Kali Puja from 08:00 pm till 07:00 am next morning.
The Matri Sangha is another illumined Kali temple at Rynjah. Here, worship will start at 08:30 pm and continue till 01:30 am past midnight.
Thirdly, Axom Sanatan Dharmasabha will observe Nishi Puja on Friday. Thereafter, at 10:00 pm Kali Puja will commence with the main puja starting the following morning.
Idol makers in town had large orders of goddess Kali in comparison to Durga Puja. Paresh Chandra Paul, an idol maker from Oakland said he had around 25 such orders. Another idol maker from Polo, Bipul Paul said he also had good orders.
Meanwhile, sweet shops in town were also experiencing a huge rush on the eve of the celebrations. Shri Krishna Dairy, which deals in homemade sweets, is experiencing a surge in sales since Durga Puja — a trend they say will continue till Diwali and New Year.
Source: The Shillong Times
