Festive Preparations in Silchar for Kali Puja and Diwali

As Silchar gears up for Kali Puja and Diwali, the city is alive with festive preparations. Markets are bustling with shoppers, and temporary firecracker stalls are popping up. A unique Kali Puja pandal inspired by Lord Ganesha has been inaugurated, while the Assam Pollution Control Board emphasizes adherence to firecracker regulations. The district administration is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable celebration, urging public cooperation to follow guidelines. With a focus on environmental safety and noise control, Silchar's festivities promise to be vibrant yet responsible.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 8, 2026, 15:10 IST

Silchar Gears Up for Celebrations

A lit up pandal gate in Silchar (Image)

Silchar, Nov 8: The city of Silchar and surrounding areas in Cachar district are preparing for the upcoming Kali Puja and Diwali festivities, with a noticeable increase in shoppers and the establishment of temporary firecracker stalls throughout the region.

Markets are bustling with activity as they showcase a variety of items, from traditional earthen lamps and decorative lights to essential puja supplies and fireworks. Key areas such as Fatak Bazar, Gopalganj, Janiganj, Hospital Road, Tarapur, and Meherpur are experiencing heightened commercial activity, with vendors expecting a surge in sales as the celebrations approach.

Numerous temporary stalls have been set up, offering an array of fireworks including flowerpots, chorkis, rockets, and sparklers. Families, especially those with children, are flocking to these markets to gather festive necessities.

This year, a standout feature is a uniquely designed Kali Puja pandal located in Katigorah, inspired by the architectural form of Lord Ganesha. The pandal was inaugurated on Saturday by Swami Ganadheeshananda, the secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Silchar, alongside Rajya Sabha MPs Kanad Purkayastha and Sushmita Dev, as well as Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya. Katigorah MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha also attended the inauguration.

In light of the festivities, the Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB) has emphasized the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, particularly those related to the sale and use of firecrackers.

The Silchar regional office of the Board has stated that only authorized green firecrackers are allowed for sale and use. Firecrackers can only be burst between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali night, and the guidelines prohibit the use of firecrackers within 300 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, courts, and places of worship. Officials have warned that violations may lead to legal consequences.

The Board is actively monitoring noise levels during the pre-Diwali, Diwali, and post-Diwali periods, following an assessment of noise pollution during the Durga Puja celebrations.

Arabinda Das, the Regional Executive Engineer at the APCB's Regional Laboratory-cum-Office in Silchar, mentioned that the Board is tracking noise levels to evaluate the effects of the festive celebrations.

Data collected during the recent Durga Puja indicated a significant increase in noise levels across the town, with Janiganj recording the highest average among the three monitoring stations.

"We are closely observing noise levels during the pre-Diwali, Diwali, and post-Diwali periods as well. While the Pollution Control Board monitors these levels, the responsibility for enforcing regulations and managing noise pollution lies with the district administration," Das stated.

In response, Cachar District Commissioner Rahul Kumar Gupta has assured that the administration will take appropriate actions against any violations, highlighting the need for better coordination with the Pollution Control Board to enforce the established restrictions.

In a conversation with a local media outlet, Gupta extended festive greetings to the district's residents and confirmed that clear directives have been issued to officials tasked with maintaining law and order. Magistrates have been assigned to oversee the festive arrangements.

He emphasized that the administration would respond to specific reports of violations received from the Pollution Control Board and other sources.

"If any violations are observed, they should be reported directly to the administration for necessary action," the DC advised.

Regarding the designated two-hour window for bursting firecrackers, Gupta urged residents to follow the timings and celebrate responsibly. He also encouraged people to refrain from using firecrackers near hospitals and other sensitive locations.

"Public cooperation is crucial. While we will fulfill our responsibilities, civil society and residents must also ensure compliance with the established norms so that everyone can enjoy the festival," Gupta concluded.