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. The Shiva Dol Development Committee announced a grand festival with various saints, monks, and businesses from India. Applications for stalls have started, and the festival will begin on February 25 with an inaugural ceremony attended by dignitaries.
The Sarang Cultural Group will stage a Shiva Vandana performance and traditional Xattriya dance, ‘Savitri-Satyavan,’ following the inauguration. District Commissioner Aayush Garg will inaugurate a devotional cultural program on February 26 at 6 PM, featuring a play by Janaki Mahila Cultural Group. Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu will unveil a book, while Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia will be the chief guest. The event will conclude with a musical performance by Kalpana Patowary.
The Maha Shivratri Organizing Committee has made the decision to install CCTV cameras to monitor the festival grounds, including the Shiva Dol buildings and the nearby areas, such as the playground at Fuleswari Girls’ High School, in light of the anticipated high attendance each year. To supervise the publication of souvenirs, internal affairs, promotions, site planning, volunteer management, sanitation, emergency preparedness, and security, a number of subcommittees have been established. Through auctions, 500 stalls will be distributed to traders this year. In the meanwhile, the district government has proclaimed February 27 a local holiday in honor of the event.