Tripura’s vibrant Durga Puja celebrations are set to receive international attention, with around 10 foreign delegates and representatives of the Government of India expected to attend the traditional Mayer Gomon programme, popularly known as the Durga Puja carnival, in Agartala on October 23.
With the state government aiming to promote Tripura’s cultural heritage beyond national boundaries, preparations are underway to ensure that the annual spectacle is organised in a disciplined and impressive manner.
On Tuesday, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department, Kiran Gitte, visited the venue and reviewed the arrangements with Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, Cultural Advisory Committee Vice-Chairperson Subrata Chakraborty, the ICA Director and senior officials from various departments.
Officials from the Public Works Department, police, fire services and other agencies took part in the review, focusing on coordination, security and public convenience during the event.
The main programme will be organised in front of Maharani Tulsibati School in Agartala. According to Gitte, preparations include stage construction, traffic regulation, security deployment and crowd management along the route extending towards Dashami Ghat. Barricades will be installed at designated points, while watchtowers, medical teams and drinking water facilities will be arranged to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.
The administration is also coordinating with participating puja committees and clubs to facilitate the smooth movement of idols and crowds during the carnival.
Gitte said the popularity of Mayer Gomon has been growing steadily, with an increasing number of puja committees joining the celebrations and more people turning out to witness the colourful procession. He stressed that the government intends to develop the programme into a prominent national cultural event while preserving its traditional character.
He further highlighted that Mayer Gomon offers an opportunity to present Tripura’s unique cultural identity, artistic traditions and festive spirit to a wider audience. Beyond its religious significance, the government sees the carnival as a potential tourism attraction that could bring greater recognition to the state.
This year’s event is expected to gain additional prominence with the anticipated participation of foreign delegates. Gitte said the state government had contacted several embassies and consulates to familiarise them with the programme, and a number of representatives had shown interest in attending.
Despite difficulties in reaching some prospective participants during the Durga Puja holidays, the official expressed optimism that at least 10 foreign delegates would be present at the October 23 event.
Drawing attention to Tripura’s growing international visibility, Gitte also referred to the participation of foreign representatives at the business conclave held in Agartala. He noted that such engagements provide opportunities to introduce the state’s cultural heritage, tourism prospects and development potential to audiences beyond India.
The government now hopes to use Mayer Gomon as another platform to strengthen Tripura’s cultural presence on the international stage. With preparations being coordinated across multiple departments, the administration is working to ensure that this year’s carnival reflects the grandeur, discipline and distinctive traditions of the state’s Durga Puja celebrations.
