Dimapur, October 2 (MExN): The Hindu Seva Samiti, Dimapur has issued a set of rules and regulations to be followed during the Durga Puja celebrations.
In a press release HSS, Dimapur President YP Gupta, while extending greetings, requested all the Puja committees to perform the pujas in the true religious spirit, and to maintained proper discipline and decorum at all cost.
All puja pandals should be erected in such a way that they do not disturb public thoroughfare and pandals should display posters and banners on the theme of ‘Clean Dimapur, Green Dimapur, Save Energy,’ it said. To make the celebrations more eco-friendly, it advised the use of oil lamps (Diya/Deepak) instead of candles.
Strictly banning the consumption of alcohol as it is against the Hindu culture and faith; it also said that loud speakers should be played in such a way that they do not disturb the neighbourhood and general public. “By any cost, the sound system should be off by 10:00 pm,” it added.
Only devotional songs and music should be played in the Puja Pandals, it advised while adding that playing of drums, cymbals and conchs are the part of the culture and should been encouraged.
It also asked the Committees to keep a strict vigil on suspected or unclaimed articles like bags, cartoon etc., in and around the pandals and to immediately inform the concerned Police Station to avoid any untoward incident.
On the Vijaya Dashmi day, there will be a procession for the immersion of idols, and as such, all trucks carrying the idols are to assemble at City Tower from 9:00 am onwards, the release stated, while requesting members of all Puja Committees to wear the ethnic/traditional costumes or white Chola-pyjama during the immersion procession in order to show uniformity and integrity.
In order to keep the Dhansiri River free from pollution, it advised against bringing any type of waste along with the idols and also asked the committees to bring any unattended idols lying on the road side, for immersion so that the idols are not desecrated.
Further, the HSS Dimapur also requested the puja committees to ensure that there are no ‘scuffles’ among attendees. Immersion is a solemn ceremony, so strict discipline and religious decorum should be maintained, it said, while reminding them to be mindful of the religious sentiments of other communities.
It is advisable not to bring children below 10 years and senior citizen above 65 years due to pandemic and all the devotees are requested to visit puja pandals till 9:00 pm, it said.
Only those with volunteer cards and guest cards would be permitted inside the Ghat and vaccinated volunteers who are vaccinated are requested to take proper care of their idols till the immersion in addition to taking charge of the trucks till the immersion.
All puja committees are requested to co-operate with the District Administration, Police, Dimapur Municipal Corporation and Hindu Seva Samiti to ensure a smooth and joyous conduct of the pujas and immersion, it further stated.
