Archive · 3 Oct 2025
Keating Road's 70-Year-Old Kola Bou Ritual during Durga Puja
In Shillong, Keating Road celebrates Durga Puja with a special 70-year-old tradition called Kola Bou.
On the last day, a bundle of nine plants (Kola Bou) representing different goddesses, is carried to each home.
People welcome the Kola Bou to say goodbye to Goddess Durga and pray for a good year.
This tradition blends old nature worship with the worship of the goddess.
The Kola Bou, is a banana plant wrapped in a saree.
It is considered the wife of Ganesha and symbolizes Shakti.
The ritual, which has its roots in pre-Vedic times, begins with a bath of these plants.
The Kola Bou ritual is celebrated on Keating Road, Shillong during Durga Puja.
The tradition has been practiced for 70 years.
The Kola Bou is a symbolic representation of Goddess Durga, made up of nine plants.
On Bijoya Dashami, the Kola Bou is taken to homes for a farewell.
Families pray for prosperity during the farewell.
- Who
- Residents of Keating Road
- What
- The Kola Bou ritual as part of Durga Puja
- When
- Bijoya Dashami
- Where
- Keating Road, Shillong
- Why
- To bid farewell to Goddess Durga and pray for prosperity.
- Location
- Keating Road, Shillong
- Ritual
- Kola Bou (Banana Bride)
- Duration
- 70 years
- Event
- Durga Puja
- Significance
- Farewell to Goddess Durga and integration of nature worship.
