Agartala, October 21: The Tripura government is making comprehensive arrangements to ensure the smooth and disciplined conduct of ‘Maayer Gaman’, the ceremonial immersion procession of Goddess Durga, scheduled for the evening of October 23, with plans to gradually develop the annual event into a national-level cultural attraction and promote the state’s tourism potential.
ICA Secretary Kiran Gitte said the administration had reviewed the preparations in detail, covering venue arrangements, security, traffic management, emergency services and the reception of foreign delegates and other distinguished guests expected to attend the programme.
A review meeting and site inspection were conducted in the presence of the Mayor Dipak Majumder, the Vice-Chairperson of the Cultural Advisory Committee, the Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department and officials from various departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Police, Fire Service and Water Board.
“We reviewed all aspects of the preparations, including the stage and other arrangements at the main venue in front of Maharani Tulsibati HS School,” Gitte said.
He added that discussions also covered the reception and logistical arrangements for foreign delegates, invited guests and officials from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which oversees cultural activities.
The administration has coordinated with the police and traffic authorities to manage the participation of various puja committees and regulate the procession from the main venue to Dashami Ghat. Arrangements for barricades, watchtowers, medical teams and drinking water facilities at different points along the route were also reviewed.
According to Gitte, the popularity of Maayer Gaman has been growing steadily, with an increasing number of puja committees taking part and larger crowds gathering to witness the ceremonial procession every year.
“Our objective is to organise the event effectively and in a disciplined manner. We want to gradually elevate it into a national-level event that showcases Tripura’s distinctive cultural identity to the rest of the country while also making it a major attraction for tourists,” he said.
Highlighting the participation of international guests, Gitte said the state government had reached out to various foreign embassies and consulates to invite their representatives to witness the celebrations.
“We believe the discipline, beauty and appeal of our traditional processions, including Mayar Gaman, should not remain confined to Tripura or India. They deserve wider recognition on the international stage,” he said.
Gitte noted that several diplomatic missions had expressed interest in attending the event. Although the ongoing Durga Puja holidays had limited coordination with some offices, he expressed confidence that at least 10 foreign delegates would be present.
Referring to the recent business conclave held at Hapania, which attracted participants from several foreign countries, the ICA Secretary said Tripura was increasingly gaining recognition beyond national boundaries.
“We want our international guests to experience an exceptional cultural event that reflects the richness and uniqueness of Tripura’s traditions,” he said.
The government’s efforts to organise Maayer Gaman on a larger scale are aimed at providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the state’s cultural heritage while strengthening Tripura’s position as a destination for cultural tourism.