SRIBHUMI : The festive spirit of Durga Puja lit up Sribhumi on Panchami night, September 27, as minister Krishnendu Paul inaugurated multiple puja pandals across the area. Among the inaugurated pandals were those of the Youth Unity Club at AOC Point, Madhya Sribhumi, and Shatabhisha Club.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of former Rajya Sabha MP Mission Ranjan Das, former BJP district president Subrata Bhattacharya, and officials of the organising clubs. Extending a warm invitation, the minister urged the people of Barak Valley to visit and experience the grandeur of the Sribhumi pujas.

Amid the celebrations, Minister Paul took a poignant moment to express grief over the untimely demise of Assam’s music icon Zubeen Garg. Recalling Zubeen’s deep-rooted connection with the area, he noted that the puja organised by Madhya Sribhumi Club is held at a government school where Garg once taught.

He fondly remembered that during the school’s annual function, the late singer had captivated the audience with his tabla performance.

“Today, he is no longer with us. I bow before Goddess Durga to bless his departed soul with eternal peace. Zubeen will forever remain alive in our hearts,” the minister said, evoking an emotional response from the gathering.