OUR CORRESPONDENT
SIVASAGAR: Sri Sri Maha Shivratri Puja and Mela, which has been celebrated at the historic Shiva Dol premises in Sivasagar since the Ahom dynasty, will be organized this year from February 25 to 28 with an elaborate four-day programme.
To announce the event, the Shiva Dol Development Committee held a press conference today at its office. Speaking at the event, Committee Secretary Basanta Gogoi stated that the festival will witness grand celebrations similar to previous years. Various saints, monks, and business establishments from across India have already confirmed their participation. Applications for setting up stalls at the fair have started and all applications must be submitted by February 18.
Gogoi also highlighted financial difficulties faced last year, with a deficit of Rs 19 lakh and assured that arrangements have been made to prevent similar issues this time.
The festival will begin on February 25 at 5 PM with an inaugural ceremony attended by dignitaries such as Minister Jogen Mohan, Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi, Thowra MLA Sushanta Borgohain, Sivasagar District Commissioner Aayush Garg, Superintendent of Police Subhrajyoti Bora, and Sivasagar Municipal Board Chairperson Mrinali Konwar. Following the inauguration, a Shiva Vandana performance and a traditional Xattriya dance, ‘Savitri-Satyavan,’ will be staged by the Sarang Cultural Group.
On February 26 at 6 PM, District Commissioner Aayush Garg will inaugurate a devotional cultural programme at the temporary stage at Dolmukh Chariali. The event will feature a performance of the ‘Matsya Avatar: The Retrieval of the Four Vedas’ play by Janaki Mahila Cultural Group.
On February 27 at 6 PM, Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu will unveil the souvenir book ‘Muktinath,’ edited by Ratu Kumar Das and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia will be the chief guest. The cultural evening will be inaugurated by Dr Sabyasachi Mahanta, Principal of Gargaon College and President of Sibsagar Press Club.
The closing ceremony on February 28 at 5 PM will be attended by Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah as the chief guest. Other notable guests will include former MLA Kushal Duwari, Chairman of the Tai Ahom Development Council Mayur Borgohain, and various district officials. The event will conclude with a musical performance by renowned singer Kalpana Patowary.
Given the large turnout expected every year, the Maha Shivratri Organizing Committee has decided to install CCTV cameras to monitor the festival premises, including the Shiva Dol premises and the surrounding areas like Fuleswari Girls’ High School playground. Several sub-committees have been formed to oversee souvenir publication, internal affairs, promotions, site planning, volunteer management, sanitation, disaster preparedness, and security. This year, 500 stalls will be allocated for vendors through auctions.
Meanwhile, to mark the occasion, the district administration has declared February 27 a local holiday.
The press conference was attended by Chandan Phukan, Ratu Kumar Das, and other key officials of the Shiva Dol Development Committee.
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