Agartala will host the annual ‘Mayer Gaman’ Durga Puja carnival on October 23, with the Tripura government focusing on security, traffic management, civic preparations and tourism promotion. Chief Minister Manik Saha reviewed preparations for the event at a high-level meeting in Agartala and directed government departments to coordinate their work ahead of the festival.
The main venue will once again be the area in front of Maharani Tulsibati Higher Secondary Girls’ School. The government also plans to promote the carnival beyond Tripura and explore ways to attract visitors from other states and abroad.
Mayer Gaman Set for October 23
The decision to hold this year’s Mayer Gaman on October 23 came during a preparatory meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manik Saha at Muktadhara Auditorium. The Information and Cultural Affairs Department organised the meeting.
Senior officials, Agartala Municipal Corporation representatives and members of several Durga Puja committees attended the discussion. They reviewed arrangements for both the Sharad Samman programme and Mayer Gaman.
The carnival has taken place in Agartala since 2022. Over the years, it has developed into an important cultural event associated with the city’s Durga Puja celebrations. Officials now want to give the programme a wider platform.
CM Calls for Strong Security Arrangements
Security will remain a major priority during the Durga Puja celebrations and Mayer Gaman. Large crowds are expected to gather in Agartala during the festive period.
Chief Minister Saha instructed the police and other concerned departments to make adequate security arrangements. He also stressed the need for proper coordination among all agencies involved in organising the event.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder also highlighted the importance of maintaining law and order. He said proper security arrangements would allow people to participate in the celebrations without disruption.
The police have also appealed to Puja organisers to follow traffic regulations and avoid activities that could create problems for the public.
Ambulance Movement to Get Priority
The administration has placed particular emphasis on keeping emergency services moving during the festival.
Saha directed the police to ensure uninterrupted ambulance movement throughout the Puja period. Large crowds, processions and traffic restrictions can create delays for emergency vehicles. The government therefore wants clear routes for ambulances even when major celebrations are taking place.
This measure forms part of the wider traffic and safety preparations for Agartala. Authorities will coordinate traffic management with the carnival route and other immersion-related activities.
Roads, Trees and Electrical Wires to Be Prepared
The Chief Minister also directed government departments to complete several civic works before the festival.
Officials will prune roadside trees and shift electrical wires where necessary. These measures aim to prevent disruptions and safety risks during the carnival and idol immersion processions.
Revenue Secretary Milind Ramteke also called for safe Puja pandals, adequate lighting and proper deployment of volunteers. He stressed the need for effective waste management because festive activities can generate additional waste across the city.
The administration wants departments to complete these preparations before large crowds begin arriving for the celebrations.
Puja Clubs Raise Concern Over DJs
Representatives of several Durga Puja clubs also raised concerns about the use of DJ systems during the festival.
They urged the authorities to restrict or prohibit DJs during Durga Puja celebrations and idol immersion processions. The issue formed part of the broader discussion on maintaining a peaceful and orderly festive environment.
The administration has also urged Puja organisers to follow traffic rules and avoid forced collection of donations. IGP (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper specifically appealed to organisers to refrain from such practices.
Government Wants to Promote Mayer Gaman as a Tourist Attraction
Tourism promotion has emerged as another major focus of this year’s event.
Chief Minister Saha suggested wider publicity for Mayer Gaman so that more people outside Tripura become familiar with the carnival. He also proposed inviting foreign guests to witness the celebration.
The government will explore the possibility of developing special tourism packages around Durga Puja and Mayer Gaman. Such packages could combine the carnival with visits to Tripura’s cultural, historical and natural attractions.
The proposal seeks to connect the state’s festive traditions with its tourism sector.
Event Reflects Tripura’s Cultural Heritage
Information and Cultural Affairs Secretary Kiran Gitte said Mayer Gaman has gradually become a reflection of Tripura’s cultural heritage.
Since its launch in 2022, the event has provided a platform for showcasing the state’s Durga Puja traditions. Officials now want to make the programme more attractive to visitors while retaining its cultural character.
The government sees the carnival as an opportunity to present Tripura’s festive traditions to a wider audience. Increased visitor interest could also support local businesses and the tourism sector during the Puja season.
697 Durga Puja Celebrations Held Last Year
The scale of Agartala’s Durga Puja celebrations highlights the need for detailed planning.
Mayor Dipak Majumder said 697 Durga Puja celebrations took place in Agartala city last year. With hundreds of Puja committees organising events across the city, traffic, security, waste management and emergency services require coordination.
Majumder appealed to major Puja clubs to participate in Mayer Gaman. He said their participation could help create a larger and more coordinated carnival.
The administration has also introduced a single-window system for Puja-related permissions. Registration fees for Puja committees have been waived, according to the mayor.
Officials Review Civic and Festival Arrangements
The preparatory meeting brought together officials from several departments. They discussed arrangements for the carnival, Sharad Samman and the wider Durga Puja celebrations.
Information and Cultural Affairs Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya presented details of the preparations. Officials also screened a documentary on Mayer Gaman during the meeting.
The involvement of civic authorities, police, revenue officials and Puja committees reflects the administration’s emphasis on coordination. The government wants all agencies to complete their responsibilities before the festival begins.
Focus on a Safe and Visitor-Friendly Carnival
The government has placed safety and visitor experience at the centre of preparations for October 23. The plans cover security, traffic control, ambulance access, electrical safety, lighting, waste management and crowd coordination.
At the same time, the administration wants Mayer Gaman to attract a larger audience. Inviting foreign guests and developing tourism packages could give the event greater visibility outside Tripura.
The dual focus on safety and tourism reflects the government’s effort to develop the carnival as both a major public celebration and a cultural attraction.
Road Ahead for Mayer Gaman 2026
Agartala’s Mayer Gaman carnival will take place on October 23, with the area in front of Maharani Tulsibati Higher Secondary Girls’ School serving as the main venue.
In the weeks leading up to the event, authorities will focus on civic preparations, security, traffic management and emergency services. Puja committees will also work with government agencies to ensure orderly celebrations.
The government plans to promote the carnival beyond Tripura and explore special tourism packages linked to Durga Puja. With Mayer Gaman already emerging as a cultural event since 2022, this year’s preparations aim to combine Tripura’s festive traditions with wider tourism and cultural promotion.