SILCHAR | Moving beyond the usual focus on elaborate pandals and illumination, a new Durga Puja in Silchar is seeking to place women’s dignity, family values and cultural awareness at the heart of the celebrations.

Sanskriti Chetana Nyas, which is organising its first community Durga Puja this year, will honour 100 young girls through a special ‘Xata Kumari Puja’, treating them as representations of feminine divinity. Their parents will also be felicitated as part of the programme.

The organisers said the initiative is intended to connect the worship of Goddess Durga with respect for women in everyday life. They said religious observances should also encourage society to reflect on how women and girls are treated beyond the confines of the puja venue.

Newly married couples will also be part of a special programme highlighting mutual respect, responsibility and harmony in family life.

The puja venue at Town Club field will be designed as a cultural space rather than relying solely on decorative themes. Bamboo, stone and other materials will be used to showcase elements of India’s diverse artistic and architectural traditions.

Local artistes, craftspeople and performers will contribute to the presentation, which organisers said would bring together art, history, music and spirituality.

“Our objective is to present Durga Puja before society in an ideal form by following spiritual traditions and Sattik practices. The celebration will also carry messages about civic responsibility, cultural values and environmental protection,” said Prof Niranjan Roy, president of Sanskriti Chetana Nyas.

The celebrations will begin on Mahalaya with a ceremonial torch-lighting programme. The initiative was formally launched on July 14 with the formation of a 75-member committee. A 30-member executive committee is overseeing preparations for the puja.