Hindu Seva Samiti issues guidelines for Durga Puja celebrations and idol immersion in Dimapur
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DIMAPUR — With Durga Puja celebrations underway in Dimapur, the Hindu Seva Samiti has issued guidelines for Puja committees across the city, calling for strict adherence to environmental regulations, public safety measures and discipline during the festivities and idol immersion.
The guidelines, issued by Hindu Seva Samiti Dimapur Unit President Yogendra Prasad Gupta and Secretary Rupak Das, requested respective Puja committees to perform celebrations in a wholesome religious spirit with good discipline and decorum.
Puja pandals must be erected, ensuring that public thoroughfares are not disturbed, while committees have been directed to use eco-friendly materials and discourage littering and pollutants.
The samiti stated that Puja committees must strictly adhere to the guidelines laid down under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and notifications issued by the Nagaland Pollution Control Board. Committees are required to use eco-friendly idols and straw structures, avoid Plaster of Paris (PoP), and use organic colours.
Only devotional songs and music are permitted at pandals, while traditional drums, cymbals, and conches are encouraged. Committees have also been asked to use only diyas or oil lamps and avoid candles.
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The use of loudspeakers near hospitals, nursing homes, and old-age homes is discouraged. Loudspeakers must operate within permissible noise limits and are permitted only until 10:00 pm. The use of loudspeakers, lighting, and firecrackers will be regulated as per the existing rules of the Government of Nagaland.
Puja committees have been instructed to maintain public peace, safety, and harmony and to maintain strict vigilance over unclaimed bags or suspicious objects, informing the nearest police station immediately.
The samiti informed that idol immersion and Vijaya Dashami will take place on October 21. All Puja committees must arrive with their idols at Khermahal near Hemkunt Motors by 8 am on October 21 before proceeding to the Hindu Immersion Ghat at Purana Bazar in an orderly manner in compliance with municipal and police directives.
Committees may transport idols only using Tata Mobile, Bolero Camper, or light vehicles. Each committee will be issued 15 entry cards for entry inside the ghat and must cooperate with volunteers.
The samiti urged committees not to carry materials that cause river pollution and to adhere to Nagaland Pollution Control Board guidelines to keep the Dhansiri River clean.
Stalls and hawkers will not be permitted to obstruct movement in and around the immersion ghat. Stalls must obtain prior licences or permits from the Dimapur Municipal Council, failing which legal penalties will be imposed. Committees must ensure cleanliness and immediately clear non-biodegradable materials.
A panel of judges will visit pandals and mandirs to conduct assessments under different categories, accompanied by Hindu Seva Samiti teams for guidance.
The tentative date for the Vijaya Sammelan-cum-award ceremony has been scheduled for November 22 at Durga Mandir Auditorium, Old Daily Market, Dimapur, from 4 pm onwards.