Guwahati, 18 October (HS): Assam has recorded its highest-ever number of community Durga Puja celebrations, with 9,002 pandals being organised across the state this year, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday.

In a social media post, Sarma attributed the rise in the number of pujas to the prevailing atmosphere of “peace, trust and harmony” in the state. He also expressed gratitude to puja committees, volunteers, police personnel and other government employees for their efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the festivities.

According to figures shared by the Chief Minister, Assam had 8,381 Durga Puja pandals in 2024 and 8,521 in 2025. The 2026 figure represents an increase of 481 over last year and 621 compared with 2024.

Durga Puja celebrations across Assam have witnessed enthusiastic public participation, with community organisations combining traditional religious rituals with elaborate decorations, artistic installations and innovative cultural themes.

Guwahati has emerged as one of the major centres of the festivities, with several pandals attracting devotees and visitors through distinctive concepts inspired by mythology, architecture and local heritage.

The Bishnupur Sarbajanin Durga Puja has adopted the ‘Naglok’ theme, depicting the mythical world of serpents. A specially designed water arrangement allows visitors to reach the idol by boat. The puja, now in its 76th year, is among the city's prominent attractions.

The Chatribari Durga Puja has highlighted the cultural diversity of Assam's indigenous communities. Its pandal showcases the traditions, attire and identities of 14 communities, including the Bodo, Mising, Rabha, Deori and Koch-Rajbongshi. Standing more than 60 feet tall, the structure also features traditional musical instruments and cultural tableaux.

Other attractions include a Thailand-inspired pandal at Rest Camp Kalibari in Pandu and an installation modelled on the Jagannath Temple at Kamakhya Nagar in Adabari. The Yubateertha Club in Panbazar has also chosen a ‘Dashavatara’ theme inspired by the architecture of the Jagannath Temple.

Alongside these new concepts, traditional community celebrations continue to remain central to Guwahati's Durga Puja heritage. The Uzan Bazar Barowari Puja, regarded as the city's oldest, began in 1821 as a private celebration organised by the Ahom royal family before becoming a community festival in 1889.

The record number of pandals reflects the scale of this year's celebrations, bringing together religious traditions, artistic expression and Assam's diverse cultural heritage. Sarma extended his appreciation to all those working behind the scenes to organise the festivities and maintain public order, concluding his message with “Joi Maa Durga.”---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash