Pasighat: Durga Puja celebrations began in Pasighat, in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district, on Saturday, October 17, with decorated pandals and religious rituals.
The town took on a festive appearance as illuminated Puja pandals attracted devotees, while hymns were recited during the celebrations.
The Durga Puja Committee at GTC Children’s Park, led by Pasighat Municipal Council Chief Councillor Tagom Padung, marked its third year of celebrations with the theme “Say No to Drugs and Save Forests and Wildlife for a Pollution-Free Environment”.
Along with the religious celebrations, the committee organised activities to raise awareness about drug addiction among young people and the need to protect forests and wildlife and prevent pollution.
Cultural competitions involving participants from different communities, tribes and regions were also held.
Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang attended the celebrations with his wife as the chief guest. Padma Shri awardee Yanung Jamoh Lego was the guest of honour and performed the puja. Deputy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego and Pasighat Market Councillor Rahul Tamuk also attended the event.
Padung said the committee had been organising Durga Puja celebrations at the Gram Sevika Training Center (GTC) in Pasighat Children’s Park for several years, with a different theme accompanying the festivities.