Vedic Mantra Chanting, conch blowing greet Ashtami in Tripura
City dwellers woke up to a humid day on the Ashtami on Saturday after spells of light shower during Sashthi and Saptami (on October 22 and 23). Following the Government’s Covid19 guidelines, Ashtami Puja were held across the State. Amid Vedic Mantra chanting, Shanka (conch shell) blowing and Dhak (drum) beating, Ashtami and Sandhi Pujas were performed at Durgabari in Agartala. However, due to corona menace, devotees were not allowed to offer ‘Anjali’, sources said. Durgabari temple is one of the many temples built by former princely rulers of Tripura.
Administration has made massive security arrangements across the State – and there is no report of any untoward incidents till the report filing.
After two days of rains, Agartala city experienced a often sunny, often cloudy weather. People crowded the markets at city’s Hawkers’ Corner in the city and traffic snarl at many city roads was observed.
“It is a contrast – and human behavior is beyond any logic. In the evening people are cautious while visiting Puja pandals and are avoiding gatherings. But during day time, people are in large number overcrowding markets forgetting Covid19 norms”, a traffic constable posted at Surya Chowmuhani in Agartala said.
Notably, with footpaths are encroached by road-side stalls, the stretch from Kaman Chowmuhani to Post Office Chowmuhani has become a narrow stretch and regular traffic congestion along this area is now a common matter.
Meanwhile, Special DEMU train services, on the occasion of Durga Puja started from Saptami (Friday) will continue up to Dasami. Trains will run on Agartala-Dharmanagar and Agartala-Sabroom routes. Trains will be available in the morning and evening to leave for Dharmanagar from Agartala as well as to arrive at Agartala from Dharmanagar station. Similar services will be available in Sabroom-Agartala route.
Rains during Thursday and Friday had not only hampered puja hoppers to enjoy, it also caused problems in electric supply at many places. However, the TSECL tackled the situation smartly and promptly. On Friday night, Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma who is also holding Power portfolio reviewed the ‘power situation’ and went to inspect the State Load Dispatch Center at 79 tilla in Agartala. He was accompanied by MD of TSECL M Kele.