Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 18 (NPN): A total of 54 pandals have been set up across Dimapur for the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, Dimapur Bengali Samaj president advocate K.K. Paul said.
He said pandals were being inspected as part of a competition to recognise the best arrangements, based on criteria including discipline, security and overall setup. Members of the Bengali Samaj women’s wing visit the pandals, with inspections beginning in the morning. Prizes are awarded to outstanding pandals, with prize money generally provided through the Hindu Seva Samiti, he added.
Bharat Sevashram Sangha in-charge and Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS), Dimapur chairman, Swami Chinmayanandaji Maharaj, highlighted the wider significance of Durga Puja, describing it as a festival celebrated across India and in different parts of the world.
He said Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura symbolised the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of peace and harmony.
He also explained the symbolism of the divine family, whose members and their respective vehicles represent different aspects of life coexisting under Goddess Durga’s guidance.
Drawing parallels between the deities and their roles in society, he associated Lord Ganesha with trade and commerce, Goddess Lakshmi with finance, Goddess Saraswati with education and Lord Kartikeya with defence.
Swami Chinmayanandaji Maharaj thanked the police and traffic personnel for regulating crowds and maintaining order during the celebrations. He also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crowd incident in Kolkata on October 17.
Urging environmental responsibility during festivities, he called on people to promote greenery, plant trees and avoid plastic. He also stressed the need for proper crowd management during large gatherings.
Highlighting the organisation’s community service initiatives, he said it operated a medical unit providing daily services and ambulance facilities to assist people during emergencies and disasters.