It was truly awesome and unbelievable as the crowd literally flooded the city roads for hours on Friday evening to enjoy Mayer Gamon – an extravaganza of music, dance, traditional attires and a long queue of Durga idols.
How big was the crowd? Well, according to a conservative estimate from Dashamighat to Kaman Choumuhani the entire city’s heart was clogged by about 1.5 lakhs people. Mind-blowing? Yes, it indeed was.
As per the Hindu belief, Maa Durga returned to her divine adobe from earth on a boat – and accordingly, the dignitaries including Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha performed aarti and symbolically ‘sailed the boat’.
Revellers thronged the city roads in rapturous merriment. People crowded the entire stretch from Kaman Chowmuhani to City Centre and Paradise Chowmuhani to Post Choumuhani via RMS Chowmuhani. Police, TSR Jawans, and Civil Defence volunteers had a tough time controlling the swelling crowd. Even revellers with kids on their laps were seen jostling to have a good look at the carnival.
There was no rain – and people seized the opportunity to the fullest extent and wholeheartedly took part in the merriment. Participation of common people belied all expectations and many believed, it was the biggest assembly of people in Agartala.
On both sides of the road in front of the City Centre, beautifully decorated and illuminated stages were erected. Intricate paintings on the road and rotating multicolour bulbs added more beauty. Artists from different cultural organizations presented stunning and glittering dance programmes. Dressed in traditional attire artists of different communities presented eye-catching performances and highlighted the richness of cultural traditions.
About 50 clubs took part in the immersion carnival. All the clubs came up with a dazzling display of various themes like Anti-addiction etc. To show unity among diversity, club members wore traditional dresses. Men and women were dancing – many club authorities also presented dance performances including an acrobatic dance before the dignitaries and audience. Disciplined and joyful people clapped for the performances and displays of the club authorities.
The carnival continued till late at night. Laudable performance by police administration along with civil defence volunteers and others ensured trouble-free enjoyment – an exceptional enjoyment indeed. ( Courtesy: Tripura Times)