BARPETA, Oct 25 - Though it is commonly believed that worship of idol and sacrifice of animals or birds are indispensable parts of Kali or Shyama Puja, the people of Gahiya in Barpeta district celebrate this festival without any idol worship or sacrifice. Keeping this tradition intact, the 61st Shyama Puja will be observed by the Gahiya Gaon Unnayan Samiti with a five-day-long programme from October 27-31.
A celebration committee with Harendra Nath as president, Suresh Chandra Nath as vice president, Ajay Chainary as secretary and Tilak Pathak as assistant secretary has been formed for smooth conduct of the event. The committee has made elaborate arrangements for peaceful and disciplined celebration of the annual festival.
The festival began with the opening of the main entrance by Sadananda Saikia, Principal, Gahiya Higher Secondary School at 7.30 am on October 27 followed by hoisting of the flag by Harendra Nath, plantation by several distinguished persons and homage to the departed souls. Amrit Chandra Nath, retired teacher of Gahiya HS School will open the temple gates at 9 am. An exhibition of fireworks will be performed in the evening after lighting of Dipawali lamps.
Regular rituals like naam prasanga and recitation of Bhagawat will be performed everyday during the festival. Competitions on quiz and painting will be held on October 31. An open meeting to felicitate some distinguished persons and to distribute prizes of the competition will be held at 7 pm that day which will be presided over by senior journalist Kishor Shivam.
