Raphael Warjri

Rilbong is set to celebrate a historic triple milestone this year—the centenary of its emergence as an urban habitation, the 100th Durga Puja celebration and the centenary of the Rilbong Sanatan Hindu Dharma Sabha.

The year-long celebrations will begin on 2 October  with a Centennial Run, followed by a multi-cuisine Food Festival on 3 October.

Rilbong traces its origins to 1925, when land was allotted during the British administration, with the locality emerging as a habitation after houses were constructed in 1927.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma will formally inaugurate the centenary celebrations on 15  October and unveil a commemorative Centennial Arch. The programme will also feature the posthumous “Trailblazer” Awards, honouring 25 personalities for their pioneering contributions to Shillong and its people.

On 16 October, Governor C.H. Chandrasekhar will inaugurate the remodelled Puja Mandap, with Assam Rifles DG Lt. Gen. Vikash Lathera as Guest of Honour. Around 50 Rilbong residents will also be felicitated for distinguished service to the locality.

The celebrations will feature cultural programmes, artists and singers from across the country, including Bengali theatre personality Debshankar Halder and actor Paulami Basu, who will stage Bengali plays on 23 and 24 October.

The organising committee also plans to hold a dialogue next year with experts and government agencies to prepare a roadmap for Shillong’s next 100 years.