Hindu Seva Samiti, Dimapur (HSSD) has extended warm greetings and best wishes to all on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja and called upon all Puja Committees to join in unison to make the celebration cheerful and joyous.
In a press release, Hindu Seva Samiti issued a set of guidelines to be followed by the Puja Committees for smooth, disciplined and eco-friendly celebration of the festival.
The Samiti urged that Pujas should be performed in a wholesome religious Hindu spirit with discipline and decorum. Puja Pandals should be erected in such a way that public thoroughfare is not disturbed and eco-friendly materials should be used to discourage pollutants. Committees have been asked to strictly adhere to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000 along with the guidelines of the Nagaland Pollution Board. They should use eco-friendly idols with straw structures and natural colours, avoiding plaster of Paris, which is non-biodegradable.
Only devotional songs and music are to be played inside the Pandals while traditional instruments such as drums, cymbals and conchs are encouraged. The Samiti has advised that only Diyas or oil lamps should be used in the Pandals and Mandirs, avoiding candles which cause pollution. Use of loudspeakers should remain within permissible limits and should not be used beyond 10 p.m., with special care near hospitals, nursing homes and old-age homes.
The Samiti further directed that all Committees must maintain public peace, safety and harmony throughout the celebrations. A strict ban has been imposed on alcohol and illegal substances in and around Puja premises, and the responsibility of security lies with the respective Committees. Any suspicious items or unclaimed bags must be reported immediately to the police.
Idol immersion will take place on October 2, 2025 at the Hindu Immersion Ghat, Purana Bazar, Dimapur. The immersion process must be carried out in an orderly manner under the supervision of law enforcement and municipal authorities. There will be no procession on Vijaya Dashmi this year and all vehicles carrying idols must assemble at the Ghat by 9 a.m. to receive tokens, with all idols reaching the venue by 1 p.m.
The Samiti said only Tata Mobile, Bolero Pickup or light vehicles will be permitted to carry idols and each Committee will be issued 15 cards allowing entry into the Ghat.
Committees have been reminded not to bring any material that may pollute the river and to strictly follow the Pollution Board guidelines to keep Dhansari River clean. Members are to be sensitized to avoid any acts that may hurt religious sentiments and to maintain harmony.
The Samiti cautioned that misbehavior or disturbance of peace would not be tolerated. Full cooperation has been sought with the District Administration, Police, Municipal Council, Council Members and Hindu Seva Samiti to ensure peaceful conduct of the festival.
No stalls or hawkers will be allowed to obstruct movement in and around the immersion ghat and Committees must ensure cleanliness at the sites and removal of non-biodegradable waste. Use of loudspeakers, lighting and firecrackers will be regulated under existing state rules and stall owners must obtain proper licenses from the Dimapur Municipal Council.
The release stated that a panel of judges will visit Puja Pandals and Mandirs from September 29, 2025 for assessments under different categories. Hindu Seva Samiti members will also make inspection visits during the celebrations. Any new guidelines issued by the government will be intimated accordingly.
The tentative date for the Vijay Sammelan-cum-Award ceremony has been fixed for October 26, 2025 at Durga Mandir Auditorium, Old Daily Market, Dimapur, starting from 4 p.m. onwards. Hindu Seva Samiti president Sudip Narayan Dutta appealed to all Puja Committees to strictly abide by the guidelines and extend cooperation to ensure a peaceful, eco-friendly and joyous Durga Puja celebration.
DBS: Dimapur Bengali Samaj (DBS) has extended warm wishes to all Sanatanis and devotees on the occasion of Durga Pujo and Dussehra.
DBS president Adv. Kamala Kanta Paul said both festivals symbolize the victory of good over evil. He expressed hope that with the blessings of Maa Durga and Bhagwan Ram, everyone may overcome the forces of evil within and emerge as better, more humane individuals.
“May Maa Durga bless us all and the life and teachings of Prabhu Ram guide us to lead a good life,” he added.