Agartala, September 17:
While Vishwakarma Puja was celebrated across the nation on Wednesday, a distinctive tradition came alive at the battalion headquarters of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) in RK Nagar, on the outskirts of Agartala. Along with the customary rituals, troopers of the 2nd Battalion performed a unique ceremony — worshiping their arms and ammunition, a practice they have followed with devotion for more than three decades.
The tradition dates back to the formation of TSR, which played a pivotal role in counter-insurgency operations during the height of militancy in Tripura. Before offering prayers to Lord Vishwakarma, the Hindu god of architecture and engineering, the troopers meticulously cleaned and arranged their firearms, vehicles, and other equipment.
Believing that divine blessings ensure the efficiency and reliability of their weaponry, the troopers draw inspiration from Hindu mythology, where Vishwakarma is credited with crafting the weapons and chariots of the gods.
“This is not only about religion, but also about reinforcing our bond with the tools we depend on in service of the nation,” said a TSR official.
The practice also underscores TSR’s professional ethos. In recognition of its exemplary role in combating the state’s three-decade insurgency without a single blemish on human rights, the Vice President of India had conferred the President’s Colour on Tripura Police in January 2012 — then a rare honor shared by only four police forces in the country.
On this day, the troopers’ devotion symbolizes both discipline and gratitude, with Lord Vishwakarma — revered as the divine craftsman, seated on his elephant mount and wielding symbols of knowledge and innovation — guiding them in their duties.
Priest Kanti Banerjee, who performed the rituals, noted this is long practice of worshipping weapons and believed that Vishwakarma gave divine weapons to gods, his blessings are invoked here to keep the soldiers’ arms flawless in protecting society.
For the TSR, Vishwakarma Puja remains much more than a religious festival — it is a reaffirmation of their duty, discipline, and the sacred trust they place in their weapons to safeguard the people of Tripura.
