Euphoria and elation filled the air as lakhs of people flooded city roads during the Puja Carnival 2023 – ‘Mayer Gamon’ in Agartala City Centre on Thursday.
The carnival showcased vibrant culture of the State and West Bengal, women empowerment as well as underscored strong social messages denouncing drug addiction, usage of single use plastics etc.
Following an Mangal Aarati and other rituals, the Carnival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha in presence of Ministers, Mayor of Agartala Dipak Majumder and officials of the ICA Dept and other departments.
While the inaugural programme at the City Centre was undergoing, several Community Durga Puja Committees alongwith the Durga idols lined up along the HGB Road.
Meantime, citizens of Agartala – men, women with children gathered on two sides of the road. As the time passed, crowds swelled. Both sides of the HGB Road upto Battala where the immersion of Durga idols took place witnessed heavy crowd.
The cheerful revellers, while jostling for space and get a better view, were seen standing for hours and enjoyed the dazzling procession.
After the formal inauguration, Durga Idols of Mukti Sangha, Ramnagar, approached to the City Centre area where makeshift but well illuminated stage was erected for the VIPs and invited guests.
The Durga Puja of the Mukti Sangha was conducted and managed by the women highlighting involvement of women in every sphere of society.
The procession of Durga idols continued till the midnight. Different Puja organizers came up with different presentations through dances, yoga and acrobatics depicting rich cultural diversity and heritage.
DJ songs gave ample scope to the revellers to dive into rapturous merriment. Gen X fully enjoyed as they clapped and danced to popular items.
The enthusiasm and spontaneous participation of common people, especially youths filled the ambience with a sense of joy. Amidst all the enjoyment, people didn’t forget to pray to the Goddess.
Police and security personnel played a crucial role as they handled the super enthusiastic crowd firmly yet in a cool manner.
The carnival ended with ‘Aashche Bachor Aabar Hobe’ – assuring return of Maa Durga alongwith her divine family next year.
