Tura, 11th Oct: The annual Durga Puja Celebrations began in earnest amidst impending movements for the Inner Line Permit. Maha Saptami showed the way for the celebrations for Durga Puja in Tura, with people from in and around different places in Tura to the biggest spectacle and celebration by all Non Tribals. It however transcended all religious barriers, with the tribals of Tura also getting together to celebrate.
This year there are 22 puja pandals which lit up the night. Devotees of the Goddess Durga came out in hordes to pray for the blessings of the God. The Nepali Durga Puja Committee, which celebrated 128 years of celebrations is the oldest puja in the town and appropriately began their celebrations in style, with aarti being offered to the God.
Likewise, all the other pandals were tastefully decorated to welcome the first big festival of the year. The coming days are expected to be the same, with more celebrations set to follow.
The complete celebration of the Puja though has only been possible after NGOs called off their agitation for the ILP to allow for the celebrations to continue like every year.(SP News)
