Celebrating 149 Years of Durga Puja in Tripura: A Unique Tradition

A Historic Celebration

Agartala, Sept 29: The Durga Puja, which has been celebrated for 149 years, was originally initiated by the former kings of Tripura and has received support from the State government for over seventy years. This festival draws devotees not only from across India but also from neighboring countries like Bangladesh.

The Tripura government, regardless of whether it has been led by Left or non-Left parties since its integration into the Indian Union 76 years ago, is likely the only state in India that continues to fund the Durgabari Puja. This event is closely monitored by both the remaining members of the royal family and the West Tripura District administration.

The rituals began on Sunday with the ‘Bodhan’ (also known as ‘Maha Sasthi’), marking the welcoming of the Durga idols, followed by a five-day worship at the renowned Durgabari temple, situated in front of the historic Ujjayanta Palace, which is one of the largest royal residences in eastern India.

The Ujjayanta Palace, a stunning two-storey structure built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya between 1899 and 1901, spans an area of one square kilometer and served as the headquarters for the former kings.

After 1949, it transitioned into the State Legislative Assembly. In July 2011, following the relocation of the Assembly to the Capital Complex, this magnificent three-domed palace was transformed into the largest museum in eastern India, showcasing the history and culture of the eight northeastern states.

According to Jayanta Bhattacharjee, the head priest of the Durgabari temple, the royal family initiated the Durga Puja over 500 years ago. He explained that the princely dynasty's headquarters were originally established in Udaipur, then moved to Amarpur, and later to Puran Habeli before finally settling in Agartala in 1838 under Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya.

Bhattacharjee, whose family has served as priests at the Durgabari temple for over six generations, noted that the District Magistrate (DM) of West Tripura must report on the preparations for the Durga Puja to the royal family before the rituals commence and submit a final report after the five-day celebration concludes.

The DM, referred to as ‘Sebayet’, acts as the main organizer of the Durgabari Puja, although some aspects of this traditional practice have been slightly altered over time. Nonetheless, every detail of the Durga Puja receives symbolic approval from Bibhu Kumari Devi, a senior member of the royal family.

Bhattacharjee mentioned that the festival reaches its peak on the final day of Dashami, when the idols leading the Dashami procession are the first to be immersed at Dashamighat, accompanied by full state honors and the state police band playing the national anthem.

An official from the West Tripura district administration confirmed that the State government has allocated Rs 7.50 lakh for this year's Durga Puja at the royal temple, continuing the tradition from previous years.

During the five-day festival at Durgabari, a young buffalo, several goats, and pigeons are sacrificed in the presence of thousands of devotees, all funded by the government.

Historian Panna Lal Roy remarked that Tripura stands out as the only state in India where the government, regardless of political affiliation, has consistently funded Hindu Puja. He noted that this tradition has persisted since the princely state merged with the Indian Union 76 years ago.

Roy, who has authored numerous books on the royal history of Tripura, explained that after 517 years of rule by 1,355 kings, Tripura came under Indian administrative control on October 15, 1949, following a merger agreement signed by Kanchan Prabha Devi, the regent Maharani, and the Indian Governor General.