Shillong is capital of Meghalaya and also amongst the beautiful north eastern cities in India. Shillong is a gorgeous hill city as well as tourist place. Shillong was summer capital of Assam and East Bengal. But presently Shillong turned out to be capital of Meghalaya. Dispur became capital of Assam. Khasis is the major community while other communities are Assamese, Bengali, Biharis, Nepali and Marwaris. Christianity is dominant religion in Shillong.
Durga Puja is rejoiced in Shillong as well as other places in Meghalaya. Different Bengali Associations, Trusts and Clubs arrange Puja in Shillong. Durga Puja is the most renowned festival if Shillong despite Christmas.
Shillong hosts to more than 52 pujas. Durga Puja in Shillong dates back more than one century ago. Some of main pujas of Shillong in recent times are Jail Road Puja, Rilbong Puja, Kench’s Trace, Umpling, and Garikhana to name the occasional. The largest of all pujas, is Rilbong Puja, which has also celebrated its platinum jubilee. It has 75 years of history, with tradition and objective growth.
Just about 80 years back, throughout British government, Rilbong born in the wholesome surroundings. 37 families of diverse spiritual faiths established here and fascinatingly, these families were settled here. The communities, who were pioneers in this great region, were bureaucrats of Central as well as Provincial Governments.
In early 1927, houses were all set and locality came into life. Around 8 decades later, Rilbong is lively locality now. It was because of the determined efforts of initiates of Rilbong which they produced Rilbong Sanatan Hindu Dharma Sabha in the year 1927. First Durga Puja was executed in habitation of Brajendra Kumar Bhattacharjee, who is amongst first settlers in this locality.
During the year 1928, government had given some land to Dharma Sabha for Durga Puja. For next 6 years, festival was organized in open area. Then, Dharma Sabha members apprehended the requirement to create puja mandap. It was finished in 1934, and Rilbong Sanatan Hindu Dharma Sabha established expanding.