**Agartala, Aug 30:** The countdown to Durga Puja officially began at Ramnagar Sanghati Club on Sunday with the traditional Khuti Puja ceremony, marking the formal start of preparations for this year’s celebrations.
The ceremony was held in the morning amid festive enthusiasm and was conducted in accordance with traditional religious rituals. Club members and organisers participated in the ceremony as preparations got underway for what they described as an elaborate Durga Puja celebration.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and local MLA Dipak Majumdar attended the Khuti Puja along with club officials and members. Following the religious rituals, the organisers outlined their plans for the upcoming festival and announced a budget of **Rs 35 lakh** for the celebrations.
One of the major attractions this year will be the Durga Puja mandap, which is being designed on the theme of Gujarat’s **Ramnarayan Temple**. The organisers said the temple-inspired structure is aimed at combining traditional religious elements with architectural grandeur and artistic presentation.
The proposed mandap is expected to offer devotees and visitors a distinctive experience while showcasing elements of India’s architectural and cultural heritage. The organisers hope the innovative theme will draw visitors from across Agartala during the festive season.
During his visit, Mayor Dipak Majumdar interacted with the club members and discussed various aspects of the preparations. He stressed the need for proper planning, coordination and arrangements to ensure that devotees can participate in the celebrations safely and comfortably.
Club officials said preparations have already begun, with members working on the mandap, decorations and other arrangements. They are also focusing on ensuring that the puja rituals and associated programmes are conducted smoothly throughout the festival.
The Khuti Puja marks an important milestone in the annual Durga Puja preparations, traditionally signalling the beginning of construction and other groundwork for the puja venue.
With the ceremony now completed, Ramnagar Sanghati Club has formally entered the preparation phase for this year’s Durga Puja. Organisers expressed confidence that the **Rs 35-lakh budget**, combined with the Gujarat temple-inspired mandap and planned arrangements, will make the celebration one of the notable Durga Puja attractions in Agartala.
They said the objective is to create a festive environment that brings together devotion, culture and artistic creativity while ensuring an enjoyable experience for devotees and visitors.
