HSS Dimapur issues guidelines for Durga Puja celebrations

DIMAPUR — The Hindu Seva Samiti (HSS), Dimapur district, while extending its greetings to the people of Dimapur on the occasion of Durga Puja, has maintained that it is necessary to follow and abide by certain rules and guidelines.

In a press release, the HSS Dimapur has asked the puja committees to perform the pujas in a ‘wholesome religious Hindu spirit’ with good discipline and decorum and that the respective puja pandals be erected with public thoroughfare in mind.

It also requested that the committees maintain and use environmentally friendly materials, as well as discourage littering and pollution. It directed that the committees strictly follow the Nagaland Pollution Board’s guidelines, use eco-friendly idols and straw structures, and avoid plaster of Paris (PoP) as it contains chemicals that are not biodegradable.

It advocated for the use of environmentally friendly and natural materials, as well as organic colours, to avoid environmental impacts.

The samiti encouraged the playing of drums, cymbals, and conchs and made it clear that only devotional songs and music should be played in puja pandals. It also added that only diyas (oil lamps) should be used in the pandals and mandirs.

The HSS Dimapur discouraged loudspeaker use in the pandals, which are close to hospitals, nursing homes, and old-age homes, and maintained that any use of loudspeakers should be within the permitted limit and must end after 9 pm.

Furthermore, the respective puja committees have been asked to maintain strict vigil to prevent and prohibit the use and consumption of alcohol and any illegal substances, adding that any individual or party violating, encouraging, or involved in such behaviour should be immediately reported to the authorities.

It urged that any unclaimed bags, items, or other suspicious items found in or around the puja pandals be immediately reported to the nearest police station to avoid any untoward incidents.

The samiti stated that there will be “no procession” on Vijaya Dashmi this year and that all trucks carrying the idols must assemble at the Hindu immersion ghat by 9 am, where tokens for the immersion will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Informing that each committee will be given 15 cards for permission inside the ghat for idol immersion, it asked the committees not to bring any materials that may cause river pollution, strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the Nagaland Pollution Board, and keep the Dhansari river clean and free from pollution.

All puja committee members have been asked to sensitise their respective members to avoid and prevent acts that may hurt religious sentiments. It was also informed that any misconduct, misbehaviour, unruliness, and disobedience, or any party or member found disturbing harmony and peace, will not be tolerated under any circumstances and will be strictly dealt with.

Furthermore, all respective puja committees have been asked to work in tandem with the district administrations, police, municipal councils, council members, and Hindu Seva Samiti to ensure a smooth and joyful conduct of the puja and immersion.

The HSS Dimapur district also supervises the puja in the districts of Niuland and Chümoukedima, and the directives also apply to these districts, which were previously part of the Dimapur district.

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