Kohima: Durga Puja was celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervor by the Hindu community across Nagaland, a state where Christianity is the predominant faith. The vibrant festival saw widespread participation as devotees adorned themselves in traditional attire and visited nearly 60 beautifully decorated pandals (marquees) throughout the state.
Most of the pandals—over 50—were set up in the commercial hubs of Dimapur and *Chumoukedima, while at least seven were established in the state capital, *Kohima. The stunning decorations and cultural events at these pandals drew in large crowds of worshippers and visitors alike.
Nagaland’s top leaders also joined in the celebrations. Governor La Ganesan visited pandals in Kohima, offering prayers to *Goddess Durga. He, along with *Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, extended warm greetings to the people on the occasion.
CM Rio took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, “May the celebration of good over evil fill our hearts with hope, courage, and positivity. Let us celebrate the spirit of victory and new beginnings.” Deputy CM Patton echoed similar sentiments, wishing for strength, prosperity, and peace for all.
The festival will conclude on Vijaya Dashami with the immersion of Durga idols, marking the victory of good over evil. Various programs and competitions organized by Puja committees have further added to the festive spirit across the state.