Shillong Oct: Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra marked the end of Durga Puja celebrations on Monday.

Amid restrictions due to COVID-19, devotees bid farewell to Goddess Durga on Dussehra and idols were immersed at various designated immersion ghats.

Altogether there were 253 Durga Puja Committees in the state out of which, Shillong has 61 community Pujas which include 6 private, and 3 defence.

There were 122 puja committees in Khasi Hills, 117 in Garo Hills and 14 in Jaiñtia Hills.

In Shillong, 54 Durga Puja Committees (DPCs) completed the rituals at the Immersion Ghat at Polo, and as decided by the Central Puja Committee, only 24 committees had idols which were brought for immersion.

Because of Covid-19, no foot procession was takennout and the immersion of idols was successfully carried out by the DPCs.

Cleaning of the stream was carried out after the immersion, and it will be completed by Tuesday.

CPC Meghalaya president, Naba Bhattacharjee while conveying greetings to all citizens, including elders, brothers and sisters residing in Meghalaya on the occasion of Dussehra, said that Shillong in particular, and Meghalaya in general has a rich, age old tradition of religious harmony, amity and bond among all faith and religion – probably foremost in the country which others should emulate. 

“Successful, smooth and peaceful conclusion of Puja is a shining example of this aspect. We don’t need to learn religious tolerance from anyone from outside. In fact it’s other way round and we can impart lessons to others in India,” Bhattacharjee said.