Royal Legacy of 500 Years: Durga Puja at Historic Durga Bari in Agartala

The Durga Puja at the historic Durga Bari in Agartala, Tripura, continues to uphold its royal tradition of over 500 years, tracing its origins back to the era of the Tripura kings. This grand celebration, considered one of the most significant religious and cultural events in the state, is conducted with a rare blend of Tantric and Vedic rituals. Speaking to ANI, Government priest Jayanta Bhattacharjee, who belongs to the sixth generation of priests performing this Puja is, said, “This Puja has been continuing since the time of the kings, and it is over 500 years old. At this place, it has been observed for 149 years. I am the sixth-generation priest performing it here; before me, my five previous generations conducted this Puja, and now I am carrying it forward with the blessings of the Mother.” The rituals remain deeply rooted in tradition. On Maha Ashtami, a huge crowd of devotees gathered, though many were unable to offer Anjali due to the overwhelming turnout. On Maha Navami, the customary buffalo and goat sacrifices were performed, followed by the offering of Bhog at noon and the evening Aarti. The celebration will conclude with Aparajita Puja and Darpan Bisarjan tomorrow. Visitors also expressed their emotional connection to the centuries-old festival. Khukan Chandra Paul, a pilgrim at the Durga Bari, shared with ANI, “In Agartala, this is the Durga Bari, where Durga Puja has been celebrated traditionally for almost one and a half centuries. For us Bengalis, this is the most important and grand festival. Whoever has a heartfelt wish, we all share everything with the Mother here. People from all communities—both Bengalis and tribal groups—come together to celebrate and enjoy this festival with great joy and devotion.” Hundreds of devotees thronged the sacred premises during Maha Ashtami and Navami, witnessing the royal rituals and partaking in prasadam, reaffirming the cultural and spiritual unity of Tripura. BYTE Jayanta Bhattacharjee, govt.prirst # This Puja has been continuing since the time of the kings, and it is over 500 years old. At this place, it has been observed for 149 years. I am the sixth-generation priest performing it here; before me, my five previous generations conducted this Puja, and now I am carrying it forward with the blessings of the Mother. This is a royal Puja, performed in both Tantric and Vedic traditions. Yesterday was the Ashtami Puja, and there was a huge crowd, which caused many inconveniences. Many people could not offer Anjali yesterday. Today, the rituals of buffalo sacrifice (Mahish Boli) and goat sacrifice (Patha Boli) were performed. At 12 noon, the Bhog will be offered, followed by the evening Aarti of the Goddess. Tomorrow, the Aparajita Puja will take place, after which the Darpan Bisarjan will be performed. # BYTE 2 Khukan Chandra Paul, Devotee ## In Agartala, Tripura, this is the Durga Bari, where Durga Puja has been celebrated traditionally for almost one and a half centuries. For us Bengalis, this is the most important and grand festival. Whoever has a heartfelt wish, we all share everything with the Mother here. We hope that the Goddess will bless us and fulfill our prayers. People from all communities—both Bengalis and tribal groups—come together to celebrate and enjoy this festival with great joy and devotion.