Tripura, in the north eastern part of India is mainly a hilly territory which enthralls tourists with its magnificent palaces, beautiful rock-cut carvings and important Hindu and Buddhist temples. Today, Tripura is largely a Bengali community, and hence, most of the important festivals of the Bengalis are celebrated throughout the state with much pomp and grandeur.

The Festival in Tripura

The Durga Puja, celebrated in autumn (September-October), is one of the important festivals of Tripura. Being the greatest community festival in West Bengal and Tripura, this festival of the Bengalis is celebrated on a mass scale with puja pandals (marquees) housing deities of Goddess Durga dotting nearly every nook and corner. The four-day long Festival is held to celebrate the defeat of the demon, Mahishasura at the hands of Goddess Durga, the incarnation of Shakti, or Power. The holy battle between the two has come to symbolize the triumph of Good over Evil.

During the four days of Durga Puja, it's party time for both children and adults alike as they participate wholeheartedly in the fun and frolic. A very healthy competition develops among different club or Para boys to exhibit the Para Puja in its best form. The festivities begin from Maha Shashthi (the sixth day from the day after mahalaya), and continue till Vijaya Dashami through the auspicious days of Maha Saptami, Maha Astami and Maha Navami in between. The immersion of the deity takes place on the Vijaya-Dashami.

Earlier, on the night of the Vijaya-Dashami, the ruling house of Tripura used to hold a great community dinner known as Hasam Bhojan.