Four-day Durga Puja begins with religious fervour

Agartala, Sep 29 (UNI) The four-day long Durga Puja festival in this hilly North-Eastern state began with religiuos fervour and gaiety though the state had experience a drizzle last night.

Despite the sun playing hide and seeks, people here thronged the puja pandals in large numbers which continued till late night.

Little children dressed in their best were seen moving from one pandal to another since yesterday but their enjoyment was affected by the rains.

The official figure of puja pandals throughout the state was 1923 but unofficially it is nearly 2000 as most organisers are coming in late to the police stations and registering, a police official said.

In this capital city alone more than 300 puja pandals have been erected and the West District was on top where 1086 pujas ave been organised followed by the South district with 321 such pandals.

In tribal dominated areas, Maha Asthami day is marked by sacrificing goats and praying for peace and tranquility.

The tribals wearing traditional attire come down from hill top mainly in Longtarai, Atharamura and Jampui hill ranges to the plains in large number to participate in the pujas.

No untoward incident has been reported from any part ofthe state.

Security personnel have been maintaining a close watch on the situtation trying to keep the festival trouble free.

UNI PB KK SB HS1354