HAFLONG, Sept 28 - Though the number of Puja pandals have reduced in and around Haflong but the financial hardship has failed to dampen the puja spirit at Haflong.
In previous years, there were as many as 23 puja pandals, but this year the number is 15 as some clubs have not organised Puja this year due to financial constraints and shifting of localities.
The permanent religious establishments like Sri Sri Jannathabari, Sri Sri Ramkrishna Seva Samity, Haflong Town Kalibari, Lower Haflong Kalibari, Devi Mandir etc., are the prime Puja pandals where pujas are being carried out according to Vedic rituals and traditional fervour, not giving priority to the decoration or lighting.
Talking to this correspondent, Bikramjit Choudhury, secretary, Ramkrishna Seva Samity disclosed that Maharaj and the priest from Kolkata are performing the puja as per norms and discipline of the Ramkrishna Seva Samity. �This year, we have also prepared to receive 10,000 devotees from various parts of Dima Hasao per day,� he added.
Superintendent of Police, Dima Hasao Vivekraj Singh, while appealing to the people of Dima Hasao in general and of Haflong in particular not to violate the traffic rules and maintain law and order said that elaborate traffic arrangements have been made. At Haflong police station, cultural functions have been organised on all the days of the puja. He further said during immersion, all the puja committees have been requested to maintain discipline and not cause inconvenience to others.
It is to be mentioned here that Haflong being a cosmopolitan township, since time immemorial Durga Puja is being enjoyed by all along with other festivals.
