HAFLONG: With the immersion of the clay idol of Goddess Durga in the water of Diyung River, 5km from Haflong, the five-day long ‘Sharadiya Utsav’ throughout the Dima Hasao district concluded with traditional fervour and joy on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, hundreds of devotees mostly the women folk thronged at various pandals/mandaps to offer sweets ‘tel-sindur’(oil and vermilion) to bid farewell to Goddess Durga. Before immersion of the idol, all the puja committees took out a procession from their respective pandals. They marched through the Haflong town converging at the Diyung River in a disciplined way. People were seen waiting on the roadside to honour the Goddess.
The celebration of Durga Puja in Dima Hasao adopted a plastic-free theme. In a remarkable display of environmental consciousness and devotion, the Durga Puja celebration in Dima Hasao this year was marked by its unique theme – “Plastic-Free Puja.” With a total of 74 pandals gracing the streets, the community came together to not only celebrate the Goddess but also to spread the message of environmental responsibility.
As the festival approached, organizers and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that the puja adhered to the plastic-free theme. Efforts included promoting the use of eco-friendly materials and encouraging attendees to embrace sustainable practices. This was done to reduce the environmental impact of the festival and create awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.
The community was enthusiastic about this initiative and whole-heartedly supported the plastic-free concept. Visitors were encouraged to use cloth bags instead of plastic, and food stalls served their offerings in biodegradable containers. The results were evident as the streets remained cleaner, and the river banks were free from plastic waste.
Dima Hasao’s residents came together to ensure the success of the plastic-free puja, which left a lasting impact on both the environment and the minds of the people.
Durga Puja in Dima Hasao with its plastic-free theme not only celebrated the Goddess but also demonstrated the power of collective action and environmental responsibility. It served as an inspiring example of how traditions can be held while taking significant steps to protect the environment. As the festivities came to a close, it was clear that this plastic-free puja had made a lasting impression, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility among the community.
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