Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated a three-day Diwali festival at the Tripureswari temple, one of the revered 51 Shakti Peeths, located in Udaipur, Gomati district, on November 12. Security has been stepped up in and around the 700-year-old temple to ensure a serene celebration of the festival of lights.
There is a massive fair being held accompanying the rituals around the temple premises. The temple's doors opened at 4.30 am on Sunday, commencing with the Chandi path, a traditional worship ritual.
Diwali festivities will see the Tripura Sundari deity adorned with special ornaments, with regular puja commencing at 10 am. An additional special puja is planned for the evening, according to Chandan Chakraborty, the temple's head priest. While the temple will stay open overnight on Sunday, it will close at 11 pm on Monday and Tuesday.
Given the high demand for entry, approximately 6,664 shops have already sold tickets for stalls, and organisers estimate that sales could reach up to 10,000. Ther are over 600 stalls selling everything from clothes to food to hosting games.
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This year, devotees will have the opportunity to witness the puja rituals via live streaming on giant screens on both Sunday and Monday. Anticipating record attendance, the administration has expressed optimism for the success of the fair and festivities.
In tandem with the celebration, revellers are being asked to only green crackers during Diwali, adhering to guidance from the Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB). Superintendent of Police (West) Kiran Kumar affirmed that strict action will be taken against anyone found using prohibited firecrackers during this festive season.
The Diwali fair kicked off ahead of the conclusion of Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja at the revered Mata Tripureshwari. The state government, in its inaugural term, is orchestrating the three-day extravaganza and efforts are being made to ensure tourists and locals thoroughly enjoy culinary and special festivities.
In terms of logistics, five entry gates will be strategically positioned along the national highway. Starting from the afternoon of November 12, access to the fairgrounds will be restricted without prior government authorisation.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
