Deepavali passes off peacefully with éclat across Tripura

Deepavali (Diwali) festival passed off peacefully in Tripura with all pomp and religious fervor even as puja revelers celebrate the festival of light throughout the night. There was no report of untoward incident in any part of the state.

City roads and dwellings were illuminated colorfully as skyrocketing crackers burst throughout the night. Throughout the entire day and early part of the night the celebration mood was palpable as Deepavali and Kali puja were being performed.

The main Diwali festival at the Tripura Sundari temple in Udaipur took place with lakhs of devotees from across the state as well as other parts of the country thronging the 525 years old 51 Shakti Peethas revered by Hindus since early morning of Monday turning it into a sea of humanity. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha along with his cabinet colleagues and administrative officials inaugurated the three-day long festival and fair at Matabari complex.

Tight security was put in place to ensure peaceful puja in the temple. Thousands of devotees have visited the temple since Sunday as the Diwali fever continues till Tuesday.

On Monday, before formally inaugurating the Diwali festival and mela, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his wife Swapna Saha and several Cabinet colleagues, performed puja at the famous temple.

Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is operating two special trains — Agartala–Dharmanagar–Agartala and Agartala–Sabroom–Agartala — for three days (October 20 to 22) to manage the heavy passenger rush during the festival and mela.

Thousands of devotees from various parts of the country participate in the festivities every year.

Earlier, hundreds of people from Bangladesh also joined the annual Diwali festival and mela, but following last year’s political turmoil in the neighbouring country, the number of participants has drastically reduced.

Gomati district Superintendent of Police (SP) Kiran Kumar K said that elaborate security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order during the three-day festivities.

As part of the security measures, over 3,000 security personnel, including those from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), have been deployed. Thirty-seven CCTV cameras and 10 watchtowers have been installed in and around the temple complex for round-the-clock surveillance, the IPS officer said.

Forces from the district police and the CRPF have been deployed, while several hundred volunteers have been engaged to manage the large crowds and devotees expected during the three-day celebration.

The district police chief said that regular vehicle checking and intensified patrolling are also being carried out to prevent any untoward incidents.