Hindu Festivals – Basanti Puja and Maha Ashtami observed in Tripura with religious fervor.
Agartala April 6, 2025: The sacred occasion of Maha Ashtami, observed on Saturday in Tripura. On the third day of the Basanti Puja, the Maha Ashtami bathing rituals were held in different parts of the State.
The Maha Ashtami snan transformed the banks of the Khowai River in Tripura into a vibrant tapestry of faith, tradition, and festivity.
As part of the ongoing Basanti Puja, dedicated to Goddess Basanti—the deity of spring—this year’s celebrations kicked off with Maha Shashthi on Thursday and reached their peak with the traditional Ganga bathing ritual at dawn on Maha Ashtami.
Across the state, particularly in Kalyanpur and Teliamura, thousands of devotees gathered to participate in this age-old custom, blending spirituality with community celebration.
Maha Ashtami Bathing in Kalyanpur: A Blend of Devotion and Festivity
In Kalyanpur, the day began with devout Sanatanis thronging various spots along the Khowai River. According to the traditional Hindu almanac, Maha Ashtami is a day of immense spiritual significance, and this year was no exception.
Devotees, including men, women, and children, immersed themselves in the holy Ganga bath at the Khowai River, offering prayers for the world’s well-being and honoring their ancestors with rituals involving sesame seeds and water.
Makeshift ghats sprang up along the riverbanks, where priests made arrangements to assist pilgrims, while enthusiastic vendors added a festive flair with their colorful stalls.
In some areas, a fair-like atmosphere emerged, and for the first time, programs like the invocation of the Ganga enriched the celebrations, drawing widespread participation.
The event underscored Tripura’s deep-rooted connection to this cherished tradition, captivating locals and visitors alike.
Teliamura’s Annapurna Ghat: A Historic Celebration
Meanwhile, in Teliamura’s Joynagar area, under Ward No. 10 of the Teliamura Municipal Council, the Annapurna Ghat near Kabi Nazrul Vidyabhavan became the epicenter of Maha Ashtami festivities.
The bathing ritual, which began at the break of dawn, attracted a massive crowd eager to earn spiritual merit. As the day unfolded, the ghat buzzed with energy, with pilgrims offering donations and performing rituals in memory of their forefathers.
The scene was nothing short of mesmerizing—a lively blend of devotion and celebration.
Adjacent to the ghat, the Annapurna Temple resonated with the sounds of worship and offerings, amplifying the spiritual ambiance.
Adding to the excitement, a two-day fair is scheduled at the courtyard of Kabi Nazrul Vidyabhavan Higher Secondary School, promising a delightful mix of culture and commerce.
Pradeep Dey, a member of the fair committee, told reporters, “The Maha Ashtami bathing ritual at Annapurna Ghat is a historic tradition in Teliamura, and this year’s celebration has been as grand and spirited as ever.”
A Shared Legacy of Faith
The Maha Ashtami bathing ritual, a highlight of Basanti Puja, reflects the enduring legacy of Hindu traditions in the region. Whether in Kalyanpur’s bustling riverbanks or Teliamura’s historic Annapurna Ghat, the event united communities in a shared expression of faith.
From the construction of temporary ghats to the emergence of impromptu fairs, the day was marked by a seamless fusion of reverence and revelry.
For many, it was an opportunity to connect with their spiritual roots, while for others, it was a chance to witness a cultural spectacle that continues to thrive in 2025.
As the sun set on Maha Ashtami, the Khowai River stood witness to a timeless tradition that not only honors the past but also inspires hope for the future.
With its blend of sacred rituals and festive cheer, this year’s celebrations in Kalyanpur and Teliamura are sure to leave a lasting impression.
CM visits Basanti Puja pandals
In Agartala, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha took part in Basanti Puja on Saturday. Apart from community puja, he also visited Basanti Puja organised by individuals.
Cultural programmes were organised by community puja committees. Children dressed in colourful attires presented songs and dances.
After today’s Maha Ashtami bathing rituals, people went out to visit Basanti Puja pandals in Agartala and other parts of the State.
