Tripura is a state with a rich history and culture. If you are fortunate enough to visit Tripura during a festival, take advantage of it. The people of Tripura celebrate all holidays with tremendous passion and zeal. In Tripura, the main purpose of fairs and festivals is to worship gods and goddesses to obtain blessings for a prosperous future.
Tripura is renowned for its illustrious history, culture, and 185 Manikya dynasty monarchs. If traveling to the state, select your dates following the many ancient festivals observed and celebrated there. In this post we will acknowledge 8 most popular festivals in Tripura.
Ganga Puja takes place in the state of Tripura during which the local tribal people worship the riverg ang . The holiday is observed to pray for pregnant women’s health and protection from diseases. A bamboo temple is erected amid a river or water stream to commemorate the occasion. According to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, the famed event is observed throughout the state sometime during March, April, and May. Additionally, the inhabitants of the area think that offering adult males and even buffalo may avoid epidemic diseases. To celebrate this holiday, people donate money.
When Celebrated: March-April
Location: Navanna
What To Expect: Ganga Bath & Worship
A festival is held to honor Ker, Vastu Devata’s protector deity, two weeks after Kharchi Puja. Offerings and sacrifices are made as part of the Puja to protect the populace from disasters and defend them against outside invasion. The Tripura Rajas started this Puja. The Puja must include representatives from the Halam tribe. Participants, including the current sovereign, are prohibited from wearing shoes, lighting fires, dancing, or singing during the celebration, and the capital’s entrances are sealed up.
When Celebrated: July
Location: Whole Tripura
What To Expect: Honour to Ker
One of the most important festivals in Tripura is Garia Puja. During this event, flowers and garlands praise Lord Garia, the god of animals and wealth. Cotton thread, rice, earthen pots, eggs, and wine are used in the Garia Puja. It involves an ancient custom of offering a bird as a sacrifice to the deity and also to obtain the Lord’s blessings. A bird’s blood is sprayed in front of him. No one is permitted to cross under the shadow of a bamboo tree, representing the god Garia, during the celebration for fear of upsetting the Lord. Children can be seen playing drums, singing, and dancing at the festival to please the Lord Garia.
When Celebrated: April
Location: Whole Tripura
What To Expect: Bamboo pole is used and worshipped onour to Ker, Celebration Rally
The Tripuri people’s 14 Gods of the Dynasty Deity are worshiped during the Kharchi festival. In Tripura, it is a well-known festival. A sizable crowd shows up for a week following the Puja to celebrate. The festival is held in Agartala on the grounds of the 14 gods’ temple. The primary purpose of Kharchi Puja is to worship the earth. This Puja is carried out to cleanse Mother Earth’s post-menstrual period and wash away sins. The 14 deities are bathed in the revered Sandra River before being returned to the shrine.
When Celebrated: August
Location: Agartala
What To Expect: Worship of the fourteen gods, Traditional Dance
The Neermahal Water Festival is held at Neermahal, Rudrasagar Lake, in Tripura every year. Three days of the festival are dedicated to the celebration, while the nights feature cultural programs and event plays. One of the main draws of the water festival is the boat racing in the Rudrasagar lake. The festival also hosts a swimming competition in addition to the boat race. The Neermahal Festival is held with several exquisite cultural activities every December.
When Celebrated: December
Location: Melaghr in Rajghat & Rudrasagar Lake
What To Expect: Boat Race
Both tribal & non-tribal people gather to take a potential sacred dip in the Gomati River at its source, known as Tirthamukh, on the occasion of Uttarayan Sankranti. At the end of the month of Pousa, the day the Sun begins its northern course, the devotees partake in the holy bath. Hills surround the area, and Tirthamukh in the South Tripura district is a special region where the Tripura people believe they can fulfill their promises all year. Since ancient times, the Hindu Tripuri tribal people have revered Tirthamukh as a sacred site.
When Celebrated: February
Location: South Tripura district
What To Expect: Tribal Dance, Family Get together
Wonderful Hindu and Buddhist artwork from the 8th-9th centuries may be abundant in Pilak. These sculptures result from several investigations in the area, which covered an area of 10 square kilometers. The numerous archaeological finds, including clay plaques and images, revealed the presence of non-orthodox sects and creeds representing Buddhism and Hinduism, respectively.
Massive stone carvings of Avolokiteshwar & Narasimha were found in this location. The outcome is that every year, in either February or March. The locals of Jolaibari in the South Tripura region observe three days of the Pilak archaeological and tourism festival. The cultural program of this event draws attendees from all over the world. Consider every festival attraction.
When Celebrated: February/March
Location: Pilak Historical Palace
What To Expect: Pilak Historical Palace Decoration, Research Work
Massive god and goddess figures carved out of rock embellish Unakoti, the lovely gesture of nature. Any designation—religious, historical, or hill station—seems appropriate. However, Sitakunda and Ashtamikunda is a natural waterway that draws its water from a gurgling spring. during Maghi Sankranti, becomes the most alluring attraction for the public (in February). Unakoti, that is only 10 kilometers away from Kailashahar, has replaced Raghunandan Parvat of antiquity. Here, nature has revealed its true self, as well as the sculptors have fully committed to their craft.
When Celebrated: March-April
Location: Unakoti
What To Expect: God Worship , Charyat Ralley
Tripura’s festivals showcase its vibrant culture. Most local festivities celebrate the start of a new year, Buddhism, or agriculture. Numerous multi-day events feature folk/tribal music and dance. These events offer a great chance for relationships to form between members of various tribes.
Every traveler has more than enough reasons to participate in the Tripura celebration, thanks to the delicious treats, intriguing costumes, soulful music, kind hospitality, and festive atmosphere.
