Tripura’s 500-year-old Durga Puja: Traditions making it unique explained
Every year, the Durga Puja festival, with unique celebrations and themes, attracts a massive crowd each year. Similarly, the 500-year-old Durgabari Durga Puja tradition in Agartala continues to be one of the main attractions for devotees. People from different parts of the nation and abroad visit this special Durga Puja, where the idol of the goddess is unique, unlike seen in most other places. Let's explore more about the Durgabari Durga Puja celebrations here.
New Delhi: Every year, we all feel enthusiastic about the Durga Puja festival as we buy new clothes, enjoy delicious bhog and food, and visit pandals with unique celebrations and themes. Owing to these factors, the festivity attracts a massive crowd each year. Similarly, the 500-year-old Durgabari Durga Puja tradition in Tripura's capital Agartala continues to be one of the main attractions for devotees. People from different parts of the nation and abroad visit this special Durga Puja, where the idol of the goddess is unique, unlike seen in most other places.
Located next to the 123-year-old Ujjayanta Palace, once the royal abode of the Manikya rulers, Durgabari Durga Puja is different not only due to its unique Maa Durga idol but also due to the rituals and types of bhog offered. These distinct elements came from a tradition commenced by Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur and a historic royal sponsorship arrangement that the government continues to follow, making it the oldest and most unique Durga Puja in the state. Let’s explore more about the Durgabari Durga Puja celebrations here.
Maa Durga’s unique idol
The idol of Goddess Durga has 10 hands at Durgabari. But, only two hands are visible while eight are hidden. And there is an interesting reason behind this. History records that Maharani Sulokkhona Devi, wife of Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya, fainted during the ‘sandhya-arati’ after seeing the ten-armed Durga idol. After this incident, the goddess appeared to her in a dream and instructed her to worship a two-armed form instead. Since then, the Durga Maa idol has been worshipped with her two arms. Then, the maharaja had his capital at Rangamati (now Udaipur, 50 km south of Agartala).
State patronage
The tradition of puja moved to different places with the shifting of the capital of the princely state over the centuries. It was celebrated in many locations, including Udaipur and Amarpur, before the capital was finally moved to Agartala.
The royal temple was permanently set up in Agartala in 1838. From this time, the puja has been organised at the Durgabari Temple. The temple is located in front of the Ujjayanta Palace, the former royal residence, which was built in 1901.
After Tripura merged with India in 1949, the state government took over funding and overseeing the rituals, as mentioned in the merger agreement. This unique arrangement has ensured that the centuries-old royal tradition continues to be celebrated today.
Before the puja commences, every year, a procession led by the chief priest visits the palace to formally seek the former royal family’s permission to begin the rituals.
Royal offering
The sacred prasad at Durgabari traditionally includes meat, fish, and eggs. Historian Pannalal Roy mentions that liquor was also part of the holy offerings, or prasad, during the royal era.
Special immersion ceremony
On the final day of Vijayadashami, the immersion of Maa Durga idol is accompanied by a gun salute from the Tripura State Rifles and the playing of the national anthem.
With states like Assam, West Bengal, Odisha and Tripura celebrating the festival, you all have so many options to experience the unique celebrations of Durga Puja. Enjoy the festivity and the diverse culture, reflecting the same spirit!