Agartala, Sep 14:
Ganesh Puja, once confined to a handful of temples in Tripura, has in recent years emerged as a popular community festival across the state, drawing people from different communities and generations.
At Rabindrabhan Choumuhani in Agartala, the Ganapati Samajik Sangasta Puja is celebrating its 15th year of the puja, which organisers said was started at the locality when Ganesh Puja was still relatively uncommon in Tripura.
“We started Ganesh Puja here at a time when it was held only at one or two temples in Tripura. Today, it is being celebrated in almost every locality,” said Sukanta Ghosh, a founder member of the organising committee said.
He said the community puja has grown into a major annual event featuring elaborate idol-making, prasad distribution and cultural programmes.
Ghosh added that the organisers have been conducting the puja without depending on collection of donations, with members contributing towards the arrangements.
“The response from the public has been very encouraging. People from different castes and tribal communities come here and participate,” he said, adding that the committee intends to continue the celebration as a public festival.
The puja at the venue is being held for seven days and will continue till September 18. The organisers said their prayers this year are for peace and prosperity in Tripura and continued harmony among different communities.
Subrata Chakraborty, a priest said devotees worship Lord Ganesha seeking removal of obstacles, prosperity and relief from suffering.
For devotees, the growing popularity of the festival also reflects changing social and cultural practices.
“We never used to celebrate Ganesh Puja earlier. But cultural influences and social media have connected communities and festivals. We have come here as three generations of a family to see the idols, appreciate the art and enjoy the celebration,” said Tini Saha.
Devotee Krishna Das said Ganesh Puja had expanded rapidly in Tripura over the past six years.
“Earlier, Ganesh Puja was not celebrated on such a large scale. Now it has increased tremendously. We enjoy visiting different pujas, having prasad and attending cultural programmes in the evenings,” she said.
With community celebrations spreading across Agartala and other parts of Tripura, Ganesh Puja is increasingly becoming a platform for cultural participation and social interaction beyond traditional community boundaries.
