Guwahati, Aug. 30 -- The unprecedented devastation caused by floods in Assam's Sivasagar and neighbouring Charaideo districts has led Durga Puja committees in Sivasagar to call off cultural programmes this year.

The Amolapatty Hindu Dharma Samaj Namghar Samity, at its annual general meeting held recently under president Arabinda Baruah, unanimously decided to observe its 128th Durga Puja through traditional rituals without cultural programmes.

The Barowari Puja Committee has also decided to forego cultural programmes at the historic Kali Prasad Memorial Hall this year as a tribute to more than 100 people who died in the recent floods.

Manoj Bhagawati, cultural in-charge of the committee, said the 93rd edition of the Sivasagar Barowari ...