The great and colourful immersion carnival festival “Mayer Goman” has been kicked off by the Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha in presence of a host of dignitaries in front of Maharani Tulsibati School in Agartala on Friday evening.
The inauguration of the great carnival festival begins with spectacular cultural programmes performed by different groups of artists and after formal inauguration of the event, amidst thousands of devotees the immersion ceremony by different clubs and community Durga Puja organizers of the state capital started from in front of Tulsibati school towards their destination to Dashamighat at the bank of river Howrah.
While, in his inaugural speech Chief Minister said that the annual “Mayer Goman” Carnival has evolved into much more than an idol immersion procession, emerging as a vibrant celebration of Tripura's royal heritage, cultural diversity, communal harmony, and collective social consciousness.
Inaugurating the colourful 'Mayer Goman 2026' Carnival in front of Maharani Tulsibati Higher Secondary Girls' School in Agartala, the Chief Minister said the event carries a powerful message of unity and harmony among people of all communities while preserving the state's rich cultural traditions and the legacy of Durga Puja.
"This carnival is no longer just about the immersion of Goddess Durga. It has become a unique expression of Tripura's royal legacy, cultural richness, social unity, and shared heritage. Such initiatives provide an opportunity to showcase the state's cultural identity on both national and international platforms," he said.
Recalling the historical significance of the venue, Dr Saha said that during the princely era, the traditional Durga idol immersion procession used to begin from the same location. The present-day carnival has been designed to preserve that historic legacy while blending it with modern arrangements, creative presentations, and contemporary technology.
"Earlier, there were no elaborate lighting systems or advanced sound equipment, but people participated with immense devotion and enthusiasm. Today, the carnival beautifully combines that traditional spirit with modern creativity," he added.
The Chief Minister said the festival has rapidly grown into one of Tripura's most prominent annual cultural events and has strengthened the bond of unity among people belonging to different communities.
He noted that Durga Puja has transcended religious boundaries and become a universal festival celebrated with enthusiasm across India and abroad. In Tripura, too, people from all communities actively participate in the celebrations, reflecting the state's enduring tradition of communal harmony.
Calling for collective efforts to build "Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura" (One Tripura, Best Tripura), Dr Saha said social unity and mutual respect would continue to remain the foundation of the state's progress.
One of the major highlights of this year's carnival was the participation of senior diplomats from several foreign missions, who visited Agartala to witness the grand carnival and idol immersion procession.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the visiting dignitaries would gain a better understanding of Tripura's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and hospitality, while helping project the state's positive image globally and promoting its tourism and investment potential.
The Chief Minister also stated that since 2018, the law and order situation in the state has improved significantly, creating a peaceful and stable environment that has encouraged greater public participation in festivals.
"The increasing number of Durga Puja celebrations and the enthusiastic participation of people from all sections of society reflect the positive social and economic transformation taking place in the state," he said.
He urged everyone to leverage Tripura's peaceful atmosphere and rich cultural heritage to further accelerate the state's development.
Dr Saha said the carnival procession began from Maharani Tulsibati Higher Secondary Girls' School and would pass through Jackson Gate, Post Office Chowmuhani, Paradise Chowmuhani, Battala, before culminating at Dashami Ghat for idol immersion.
He added that the event was being telecast live, enabling people across Tripura and other parts of the country to witness the state's cultural grandeur.
The Chief Minister appreciated the coordinated efforts of the state administration, Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), police, security forces, Information and Cultural Affairs Department, disaster management teams, and other agencies for ensuring the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Durga Puja festivities.
Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura" and "Viksit Bharat 2047," Dr. Saha called upon citizens to work together to preserve Tripura's cultural heritage while contributing to the state's overall development.
Welcoming the gathering, Chief Minister's Secretary and Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) department’s secretary Kiran Gitte said the 'Mayer Goman' Carnival has become one of Tripura's most significant cultural events, highlighting the state's traditions while providing a platform for local artists and artisans to showcase their creativity.
He said that nearly two lakh people attended the carnival physically, while over ten lakh viewers watched the event through digital platforms, underscoring its growing popularity.
Gitte said efforts would continue to elevate the carnival to national and international prominence while promoting Tripura as an attractive tourism destination.
Among those present were Russian Consul General in Kolkata Maxim Kozlov, US Embassy Senior Advisor Brad Kroeger, Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner Hasan Al Basar Abdul Ullah, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting K.K. Nirala, Vice-Chancellor of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Santosh Ajmera, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Cooperation Minister Shukla Charan Noatia, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, Chief Secretary JK Sinha, Director General of Police (in-charge) G S Rao, Director of Information and Cultural Affairs Bimbisar Bhattacharjee along with senior government officials, public representatives, and representatives of various clubs and organizations.