SHILLONG, Oct 13 - There be a total 232 community Durga Puja pandals, including 112 in the Khasi Hills districts, 11 in the Jaintia Hills and 109 in the Garo Hills, in Meghalaya this year.
The Central Puja Committee (CPC) � the coordinating body of all puja committees � said that it is gearing up for the smooth celebration of Durga Puja throughout the State.
Meanwhile, the CPC today held its annual meet in which religious leaders from different faiths spoke on inter-faith harmony and peace. The event was held at the Asom Kristi Kendra Auditorium, Stony Land Dhankheti, in which Governor Tathagata Roy was the chief guest.
The CPC said that it would conduct a cleanliness drive at the immersion ghat located at Polo. It will conduct a similar drive along Wah Umkhrah river on October 14 and 15 and again on October 20 and 21.
Other CPC events lined up include the annual SK Das memorial drum recital competition scheduled on October 18 at the RR Colony Puja Pandal, Rynjah.
Competitions among different Durga Puja pandals of greater Shillong under various categories such as cleanliness, puja souvenir, idols, decoration, illumination, etc., will also be conducted by the CPC.
Meanwhile, several rounds of meetings were held among the CPC, Durga Puja committees and district authorities for the smooth conduct of the ensuing Durga Puja festivities.
The CPC said that round-the-clock security would be provided by the police during the celebrations. All the Durga Puja committees will install CCTV cameras in their pandals.
On the other hand, the Rilbong Durga Puja Committee has decided to remember the armed forces during the puja celebrations. On Sunday, it will hold a public function at Rilbong to pay tribute to the rich legacy of sacrifice and valour of the armed forces. Among others, the top brass of the Army, BSF, CRPF and Meghalaya Police will attend the function. The BSF music band will entertain the audience on the occasion.
