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175 Durga Puja pandals in Meghalaya

By Correspondent

SHILLONG, Oct 13 � The essence of Durga Puja is the celebration of the fight and victory of good over evil � not just in physical terms, but also spiritual. The festival is observed to celebrate Goddess Durga�s victory over Mahisasura, the evil Asura (demon) king.

Interestingly, the arrival of Goddess to earth each year is on a specific mode of transportation, having significance amongst the Hindus.

�Dolatey aagomon means Durga Maa would arrive on Earth this year on a Palanquin and her face would be hidden. This mode of transportation is associated with epidemics and natural calamities,� said a local temple priest here.

But, the good news is, she is returning to her heavenly abode after her four-day sojourn to Earth on the Gaja or Elephant, which signifies bountiful harvest and prosperity, he added.

The mode of transportation changes every year according to the almanac. These include Dola, Gaja, Ashwa (horse) and Nowka (boat). Arrival or departure on Ashwa signifies war and drought, whereas Nowka flood and misery. It�s not known how these beliefs took root, but are taken seriously by many devout Hindus.

Durga or Shakti is also the primordial cosmic feminine energy responsible for creation and destruction.

During the occasion, the festival is celebrated in different parts of Meghalaya with great pomp and gaiety. There are 175 Sarbojanin (for everyone) Durga Puja pandals in the State this year, each with its unique design, colour and lights.

�Hope the festival would be celebrated with a spirit of love, gaiety, fraternity and goodwill amongst all sections of the society to spread the message of harmony and peace,� Meghalaya Governor, RS Mooshahary greeted.

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