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Tribal Hamlet's Durga Puja Bridges Cultures
18 Oct
Summary
- Durga Puja in Shella, Meghalaya, began in 1931.
- The tradition is organized by a Ramakrishna Mission center.
- Khasi children actively participate in the ancient celebrations.
A heritage Durga Puja celebration in Shella, a tribal village in Meghalaya's Khasi Hills, continues a tradition of cultural harmony that started in 1931. This event is organized by a Ramakrishna Mission center, which established its sub-centre in Shella in 1924.
Records indicate that Shella was the first location in the northeast to host a Durga Puja under the Ramakrishna Mission's observance. The puja aims to facilitate celebrations for residents who previously had to travel to Sylhet, now in Bangladesh, before the Partition.
The festivities encompass traditional worship, with special reverence for Maa Chandi on Maha Navami, followed by Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja. What makes Shella's celebration particularly distinctive is the enthusiastic involvement of the indigenous Khasi community, including children, showcasing a beautiful blend of faith and cultural unity.
