Agartala: The Tripura Kumbh Mela commenced with grandeur on Sunday at Kumbhnagar, Ranirbazar, drawing lakhs of devotees, pilgrims, and spiritual leaders to the sacred banks of the Howrah River.
The event, which began on December 25, will continue until January 1, offering a week-long celebration of spirituality, devotion, and cultural unity.
Held every three years, this is only the second time the Kumbh Mela is being organized in Tripura. The sacred site at Dashami Ghat, revered as being as holy as the Ganga, has become a bustling center of spiritual activity, with rituals, prayers, and cultural events captivating attendees.
Ranjitand Maharaj, the head of the Tripureswari Kumbh Mela Committee, shed light on the event’s deep mythological roots. “The Kumbh Mela is linked to the Samudra Manthan of the Satya Yuga. It is believed that during the churning of the ocean by Devas and Asuras, a drop of the Amrit (nectar of immortality) fell in Tripura. This spiritual insight came to light much later,” Maharaj explained.
The Dashami Ghat also hosts a temple dedicated to Maa Kumbh Kali, where pilgrims gather to offer prayers and take holy dips in the river, which are believed to bring the same blessings as bathing in the Sapta Sarovars (seven holy lakes).
The mela has drawn thousands of Naga Sadhus, saints, and monks from across India. Daily rituals and prayers for global peace are being conducted, while community kitchens serve meals to 15,000–20,000 pilgrims and 2,000–2,500 saints every day.
Local residents and the state government have collaborated to ensure the success of the event, which blends spiritual devotion with cultural celebration. “This Kumbh Mela is a chance to immerse oneself in the traditions of Sanatan Dharma and experience spiritual upliftment,” Maharaj noted. “I pray to Maa Kumbh Kali to bless everyone with peace and joy.”
The Tripura Kumbh Mela has been hailed as a monumental event, showcasing the state’s cultural and spiritual heritage while offering devotees an opportunity to connect with age-old traditions.