Chorten Deorali Local Taxi Drivers’ Assoc to celebrate Vishwakarma puja on somber note

GANGTOK, 16 Sept: Chorten Deorali Local Taxi Drivers’ Association [CDLTDA] has decided to organize this year’s Vishwakarma Puja on a low scale at its stand below Deorali Ropeway on 17 September in order to pay homage to the people who lost their lives in the earthquake last year. Instead, the association has announced a Sarva Dharma Puja at the same venue on 18 September for peace, tranquility and prosperity in the state and also to pay homage to the departed souls.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, CDLTDA president, Chung Chung Bhutia said that the puja this year is being organized on a somber note in view of the devastation caused by last year’s earthquake so there will not be any cultural programme.
He added that this time the association is organizing a Sarva Dharma puja in which prayers will be offered by religious leaders of Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Sikh communities.
Mr Bhutia informed that 1000 butter lamps will be lit at the venue during the puja for the earthquake victims and people can also pay their respects by lighting these lamps.
This year’s pandal has been created based on the Sai Mandir of Namchi. The organizers have invited all the local people to be part of the puja.
Members of the association also carried out a cleanliness drive in Deorali on Saturday. Mr Bhutia mentioned that the association conducts such cleanliness drives from time-to-time, especially during Vishwakarma Puja.