SPECTACULAR PUJA TO GODDESS DURGA IN THE PRINCELY STATE OF TRIPURA

 Tripura is one of the beautiful north eastern states of India . The former princely state if Tripura (Hill Tipperah) finds mention in ancient Indian texts. Ruled once by a series of 183 kings, the kingdom reached its zenith in 1490 under Dhanya Manikya. The kingdom of Tripura was eventually absorbed into Indian Union in 1947.

Tripura has been greatly influenced by Bengal culturally and spiritually . Few parts of Bengal were once the integral part of the kingdom.  Bengali was the court language. So it is no surprise to find many shrines dedicated to kali, the important deity of Bengal.

Tripura has a credit and a profound connection with Bengal. India's First poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore, an honoured guest found  this princely state as pollution -free, eco - friendly environment, pleasant climate and tranquility the perfect retreat to compile some of his works here.

This tiny state is now emerging slowly into India's tourism arena. Rivers like Khowai, Manu and Gomti flow silently creating sufficient water resource. Historic palaces, rock cut carvings, stone sculptures, Buddhist and Hindu holy places, wildlife sanctuaries and tribal people are the great attractions to tourists

Kharchi puja, Garia puja, Diwali, Pous sankranti, Ashokastami Fair, Orange tourism festival, boat race are the fairs and festivals of Tripura apart from Durga Puja

Durga puja in Tripura is a spectacular puja performed for the mighty goddess Durga. The  princely state's connections and proximity to Bengal makes it more unique celebration

The Goddess Durga is worshipped in the state for 4 days during September/October with pomp and gaiety. Shopping sprees and fun mark the occasion. Large pandals, lavishly decorated are raised for the Durga puja. Wood carving of Goddess Durga is the rich tradition of  Handicrafts in the state. 

There is a popular 16th century Kali temple on the edge of the lake kamalasagar. Piligrims converge annually at this temple in the months of April / August to celebrate the temple deity kali. Here also at this temple, Durga puja is celebrated with grand participation of the people from surrounding rural areas.

Durga puja is a part of Navratri celebrations. Here in Chennai, the festivity has began and people started to decorate their houses with dolls arranged in step by step set up. 

The Durga puja is celebrated on the Ashtami day here as Durga Ashtami. In these nine days nine goddess are worshipped one each day.

People invite friends and relatives to visit their doll arrangements and worship the goddess. Gifts are exchanged and Nine varieties of grains are prepared as "Sundal" or stir fry one per day on all these nine days and offered to goddess as "prashad" or bhog". 

Has the Navrathri started at your place and what arrangements have you done for Durga puja? do share it in comments

HAPPY NAVRATHRI

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