ProMASS News
Agartala, October 11, 2019: The first ever carnival – the grand immersion parade of Durga Idols drew biggest crowd in the history of Tripura. Cutting across all social, economic and religious barriers – men and women including kids, children and even elderly persons passionately waited on both sides of roads for almost four hours as 29 selected Durga Idols paraded through ‘City centre’ in Agartala with colourful tableaux to Dasamighat – the immersion site.
Titled as ‘Mayer Biday-2019’, the extravagant event was organized and monitored by a committee led by Tripura MP Pratima Bhoumik. Mammoth in size, but noticeably disciplined crowd and efficient security personnel made the biggest event a hugely successful fanfare.
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb in presence of All India BJP general secretary Ram Madav inaugurated the ‘Mayer Biday-2019’. As time progressed, waves of revelers hit the streets, lanes and filled every space on both sides of the Post Office Choumuhani-Dasamighat road.
“There is practically no barrier. One can see kids and elderly persons are hailing Durga Ma while men and women are all in jovial mood. People belonging to all communities are enjoying the mega show”, said a group of revelers.
As evening descended, revolving multi-colour lights created a enchanting ambience – just right for an ambience filled with devotion, celebration as well as a silent but omni-present void in biding adieu to Maa Durga – a wait another year.
Durga Puja organizers came up with dazzling tableaux depicting their Puja-themes. While themes relating to multiple social causes were well appreciated, men-women dressed like Asura, Maa Kali, Mahadev and Ganesh were hugely applauded.
Earlier, as the crowd was eagerly waiting for the show to start, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, after inaugurating the event, announced that Air connectivity would receive a major boost as Air Asia flights would start its operation from October 20 next. He also announced that the Central Government had sanctioned two Navodaya Vidyalaya for the State.
Speaking to media, MP Pratima Bhoumik said, the carnival aims at branding Tripura as a major tourists destination. “This year, we hurriedly decided and organized the event – but, for next year, it will be more target-oriented and more specific in branding Tripura by showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
Ram Madhav hailed the organizers and urged the Puja organizers to make idols of Durga and other deities with clay instead of plaster of paris which is harmful for environment.
As curtains were drawn on the extravagant event, people slowly dissipated with a firm belief that ‘Aashche Bachor Abar Hobe’ (Once again, next year)!
