Poush Sankranti observed with enthusiasm and Tarpan

Former MDC and member of CPI-M Khowai Subdivision Committee Late Harimohan Debbarma proposed to organize Poush Sankranti Mela at Chakmaghat so that the devotees could participate at the mela which was situated near National Highway and easy to communicate. He gave this proposal when terrorists were active in the state in 1999 and people avoided participate at Sankranti Mela at Tirthamukh in fear of terrorists, said Tourism minister Ratan Bhowmik while inaugurating Teliamura Subdivision level Poush Sankranti Mela and exhibition near Chakmaghat Bridge adjacent to Khowai River yesterday.

He said, later the mela started in short form in 2000 and at present took shape of a famous mela in the state due to development of infrastructure during last 18 years.

Describing the history of Poush Sankranti customs in the state he said, the fair helps to maintain harmony and brotherhood between tribal and not tribal sections and develops culture and maintains peace of the state.

Referring development in the state from rural to urban areas he said a section of people cannot tolerate the development and trying to break friendship between tribal and non tribal with the demand of Twipraland and trying to break peace by demolishing idols entering at temples. But people of the state would not let to destabilize peace at any cost, he added.

Among others MLA Manindra Chandra Das, MLA Gouri Das, TMC chairman Sajal Dey, Panchayat Samiti Chairman Amaresh Choudhury were present in the meeting. On the occasion Fishery, Agriculture and ARD departments opened stall in an exhibition and businessmen participated in large number in fair which continued all over the last night. On the occasion large number of devotees offered panda and jal for the soul of their late forefathers.

Our correspondent from Churaibari added that Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Bijita Nath inaugurated traditional Pratyekroy Poush mela and Samhati Utsav at Pratyekroy Gram Panchayat yesterday which is adjacent to Dharmanagar town. The mela completed 131 years this year. ICA department, Kalacherra Block and Panchayat Samiti provides financial assistance to organize the mela.

Among others MLA Farjur Rahaman, MLA Subodh Das BDO of Kalacherra, Chairperson of Panchayat Samiti, officers of ICA, local panchayat Pradhan, poets and writers were present in the function. On the occasion colourful cultural programme will be organized everyday in presence of thousands of people.

Our correspondent from Ampi Nagar added that Makar Sankranti festival observed with pomp and gaiety through participation of tribal and non tribal people. On the occasion a loot organizer team visited from house to house and sang religious songs and threw sweets for devotees. Besides local women and children visited house to house to share cake, pies and sweets with neighbours. Many of the devotees offered puja to Sun God and made alpana at courtyard in the early morning for the welfare of the family. Many people cooked special food at home and children participated in picnic.

Meanwhile thousands of people bathed at Gomati and offered Tarpan for their late forefathers in early morning at Tirthamukh today. Besides thousands of devotees irrespective of tribal and non tribal visited the mela from different parts of the state today.