Posted 23 December 2022

Tradition and celebration: Why Agartala should be on your festive travel list

Agartala is a magnificent example of how natural splendour and rich historical heritage can live together. The state capital of Tripura has a multitude of things to see and do to keep tourists entertained. Considering that the area is referenced in the Mahabharta scriptures, it is an important location in both Hindu historical events and the religious history of the faith. Furthermore, the city has provided services to several dynasties. During the era of British rule, the town was referred to as a princely state, and this continued into the twentieth century.

All factors have contributed to the creation of Agartala as it is now, and visitors who plan a journey to this city generally return with a wealth of information about the city's history, tribes, traditions and a wide variety of other issues. Compared to many other tourist locations, Agartala in Tripura is unique as a member of the seven-sister state. In Agartala, there are various places to explore along the Howrah River's banks that will present you with a unique perspective on life.

Let us learn about the reasons why Agartala is the best city to visit during the festival season.

Celebrate your holidays with unique festivals

1. Garia Puja

Lord Garia is portrayed by a bamboo pole, also known as the deity of animals and wealth, and is also represented by the pole. Garia Puja is a festival celebrated by the indigenous people of Tripura, and it is one of the most commonly recognised festivals in the nation. Lord Garia is portrayed by a bamboo pole, also known as the deity of animals and wealth, and represented by the pole.

Floral arrangements and garlands are used to honour the Lord Garia, who is worshipped with cotton thread, rice, rice beer, wine, clay pots, eggs, traditional rich and fowl chicks, among other things.

2. Kharchi Mela

The festival, which lasts a week and is one of the oldest and most well-known festivals in the world, takes place in July on the eighth day of the new moon and is one of the most important religious festivals in the world.

The Kharchi Mela was founded to allow pilgrims to worship 14 Gods and Goddesses at the Chaturdash Devata Temple, which the monarchs of Tripura erected. Every year, it is extensively watched on a vast scale by the general people on a worldwide scale, according to experts.

In August, hundreds of worshippers gather at the Chaturdash Devata Temple (14 Gods temple) in Old Agartala, Tripura, to offer prayers during the week-long 'Kharchi Puja' festival. The festival is one of the state's most important religious festivals and attracts visitors worldwide.

3. Diwali Mela

A significant celebration is conducted in the surrounding area around the temple, and people from both tribal and non-tribal groups gather to express their support for the occasion. An annual Diwali festival is held at the Tripura Sundari Temple, which has been in operation for more than 500 years and has been hosting celebrations since then.

Every year, hundreds of people go to the temple devoted to the Goddess Kali, situated in Matabari. About 2,000 years old, the temple is designated as a national historic landmark.

4. The Neermahal Water Festival

When Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur built the historical construction, it was known as the "lake palace" in eastern India. It was built in the 18th century and is still in use today.

The name "Neermahal" literally translates as "water palace" in its correct sense. Under the command of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, construction on the historical monument, also known as the "lake palace" in eastern India, started in 1939 and was completed in 1947. It is surrounded by a body of water that encompasses around 2,100 acres.

The 'Neermahal Water Festival', which lasts three days and involves a range of events such as a boat race on the Rudrasagar Lake between different groups, is organised by the inhabitants in collaboration with the state government during August.

5. Poush Sankranti

The celebration of Uttarayan Sankranti is one of the oldest in the state and among the oldest festivals in the nation too. The event is observed on the anniversary of Uttarayan Sankranti and is one of the most well-known. It is commemorated by taking a holy dip in the Gomati River, the source of the festival's beginnings.

Thousands of devotees take a dip in the Gomati River when the Sun starts its northern trip, which is the last day of the month of Pousa in the Hindu calendar.

Since ancient times, this holy place has been visited by all religions, indigenous and non-indigenous. Every year on the day celebrating Poush Sankranti, hundreds of people gather to take the sacred bath at the same time to proclaim their presence at the site.

Thousands of individuals shave their heads and address the God in the names of their ancestors during the two-day festival, worship the deities, and do special rituals to appease the spirits of their departed ancestors who have gone away.

Tripura Foods - World-famous delicacies

Tripura is also known as the "Queen of the Eastern Hills" because it is positioned in the eastern Himalayas, making it a popular tourist destination. While the monarchy of Tripura is not visible in the state's cultural and climatic diversity, it is reflected in the culinary customs of tribal and non-tribal people who live in it.

Here are a few traditional Tripura foods

Mui Borok: The traditional dish of Tripura, Mui Borok is eaten with rice and is a staple of the state's cuisine. Traditional Tripura cuisine is based on Berma, the critical ingredient in the dish. When Berma is made without oil, it has the flavour of a somewhat salty and slightly spicy fish. Berma is very healthy since it is produced without the use of oil.
Kosai Bwtwi: Tofu cubes, garlic, salt and turmeric powder are some of the ingredients used to make Kosai Bwtwi, a meal that includes Berma (fermented fish), chopped onions, green chillies, tofu cubes, garlic and a variety of additional seasonings. Khundrupui leaves are also used to enhance the flavour of Kosai Bwtwi, a classic Thai cuisine that is popular across the world.
Wahan Mosdeng: A typical Tripura dish, Wahan Mosdeng is cooked with pork, onion, coriander leaves and green chillies served with rice. It is one of the most widely consumed foods in the state. This dinner was elevated to a new level of delectability and mouth-watering by green chillies and regional spices.
Chuak: Chuak is the traditional rice beer of Tripura, and it is created using barley as the primary ingredient. Fermentation of rice results in beer production, which is subsequently brewed. Throughout the year, it is made available to Tripurians on important occasions and during festival celebrations. In addition to Mami rice, pineapple, jack fruit and other fruits and vegetables, it is available in various forms. Chuak is often regarded as one of the safest alcoholic drinks available globally.

What is the most efficient mode of transportation to Tripura?

By air: Agartala Airport in the Indian state of Tripura is the nearest international airport. It is about 5 minutes away from the city of Agartala. Direct flights to Agartala connect this airport with several cities, including Kolkata and Guwahati. A taxi or a vehicle rental service may get you to the destination quickly and efficiently. You can get the best discounts and world-class in-flight services on the IndiGo flight routes.
By train: Kumarghat Railway Station, located around 140 km away from Tripura, is the nearest railway station. The railway station is connected to the railheads of Kolkata, Delhi, Indore, Chennai and Bengaluru via a network of elevated bridges across the Ganges River in Kolkata. Taxis are readily available near the station to get to Tripura.
By road: Respectable bus service is available to travellers on both public and private buses, depending on their needs.

Best time to visit Agartala

Summers: Tripura's summer season lasts for two months, from March to May, generally considered pleasant. When it comes to temperatures, the end of April and the beginning of May are considered the hottest months, although temperatures seldom reach more than 33°C. Summers in Tripura are not extremely hot or uncomfortable, especially those experienced by residents of other parts of the country.
Autumn: The monsoon season is a long and drawn-out occurrence that lasts for many months. The rainy season begins at the end of May and lasts until September, depending on the location. A substantial amount of precipitation marks the four months throughout the year compared to the other months.
Winter: Travelling to Tripura in the winter is the best time to do so if you want to get the most out of your trip and make most of your time while you are there. The weather is pleasant during this time. Even while isolated rainfall may occur, it is not expected to be widespread since the sky will remain clear for most portions of the day.

Conclusion

Agartala is well-known for its temples, palaces and rich history of the Manikya monarchs, as well as its ties to Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It is also well-known for its bamboo handicrafts and hand-woven shawls and textiles. Agartala has a hallway of shopping as well as many places to visit. So, it is time to plan your vacation for this winter until it is too late. Get started now!