Tucked away in the northeastern part of India, Tripura is a land rich in culture, tradition, and spiritual heritage. Despite being one of the smallest states, Tripura boasts a vibrant calendar filled with lively festivals that reflect its diverse tribal customs and religious harmony. Whether it’s the tribal festivities of Garia Puja or the spiritual grandeur of Diwali at Tripura Sundari Temple, the festivals of Tripura offer a kaleidoscope of experiences for every traveler.
At Adotrip, we take you beyond the usual travel itineraries to explore the heart of India’s regional cultures. Let’s delve into the top 10 festivals of Tripura you must witness for a truly immersive cultural experience.
🪔 1. Kharchi Puja – The Royal Worship of Fourteen Gods
📅 When: July
📍 Where: Old Agartala
One of the most iconic festivals of Tripura, Kharchi Puja is dedicated to the worship of 14 deities, locally known as the Chaturdasha Devata. The week-long celebration is observed with great fervor and includes rituals like bathing the idols in the holy river and elaborate offerings. Devotees from across the region gather to participate in this grand event.
Highlights:
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Traditional tribal music and dance
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Religious procession with royal rituals
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Local handicraft fairs
🌾 2. Garia Puja – A Tribal Festival Celebrating Nature
📅 When: April 7
📍 Where: Throughout rural Tripura
Garia Puja is deeply rooted in the agrarian lifestyle of the Tripuri tribe. Celebrated to appease the deity Garia, this festival invokes blessings for a good harvest. Bamboo poles adorned with flowers and offerings are set up, and traditional tribal dances, including the Garia dance, bring communities together.
Highlights:
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Drums and folk music
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Bamboo pole worship
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Youth tribal dance rituals
🏹 3. Durga Puja – The Goddess Comes Home
📅 When: September–October (Navratri)
📍 Where: Agartala and major towns
Like in Bengal, Durga Puja in Tripura is an elaborate affair, especially in Agartala where large pandals, lighting, and idols of Goddess Durga steal the spotlight. This festival transcends tribal and Bengali cultures, making it one of the most awaited events.
Highlights:
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Magnificent Durga idols
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Traditional dances and plays (Jatra)
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Community feasts and rituals
🪄 4. Diwali at Tripura Sundari Temple – The Spiritual Diwali
📅 When: October–November
📍 Where: Udaipur, Gomati District
If you want to experience a divine Diwali, head to Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur. Devotees gather in large numbers to celebrate this auspicious festival with lamps, firecrackers, and devotion. The temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, glows with a thousand diyas, adding spiritual charm to the festival.
Highlights:
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Massive pilgrimage gathering
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Illuminated temple complex
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Sacred rituals and cultural events
🕊️ 5. Ashokastami Festival – The Maha Ratha Yatra of Tripura
📅 When: March–April
📍 Where: Unakoti and Unakotiswara Temple
This lesser-known but magnificent Hindu chariot festival is Tripura’s own version of the Rath Yatra. Celebrated with a massive procession of Lord Shiva’s idol in a wooden chariot, Ashokastami witnesses thousands of devotees bathing in the sacred Ashtami Kund.
Highlights:
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Grand chariot procession
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Traditional drumming and dance
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Sacred pond rituals
🌸 6. Buisu Festival – New Year of the Reang Tribe
📅 When: Mid-April
📍 Where: Jampui Hills
The Reang or Bru tribe celebrates Buisu as their New Year. Marking the end of the harvesting season and the start of a new cycle, this springtime festival includes singing, dancing, and offering of local brews. A perfect time to see the hospitality of Tripura’s hill tribes.
Highlights:
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Bamboo-themed decorations
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Folk games and dance competitions
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Community feasting
🪅 7. Ker Puja – Protective Ritual of the Royals
📅 When: After Kharchi Puja (July)
📍 Where: Agartala
One of the most mysterious and sacred festivals of Tripura, Ker Puja is a royal ceremony performed to protect the kingdom from disasters. The capital area is sealed off, and a boundary is drawn using bamboo. Only designated priests are allowed to perform rituals during the two-day festival.
Highlights:
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Complete lockdown during rituals
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Sacred fire offerings
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No public gathering allowed
🪕 8. Poush Sankranti – Harvest Festival with Melas
📅 When: Mid-January
📍 Where: Agartala, Khowai, and rural areas
Like Makar Sankranti in other states, Poush Sankranti is a harvest celebration in Tripura. The Tirthamukh Mela, held on the banks of the Gomati River, draws thousands of devotees who take a holy dip and offer prayers to their ancestors.
Highlights:
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Giant rural fair (mela)
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Holy bath rituals
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Local food and crafts stalls
🧘 9. Buddha Purnima – Honoring the Enlightened One
📅 When: April–May
📍 Where: Udaipur, Agartala, and Buddhist temples
With a notable Buddhist community, Tripura observes Buddha Purnima with meditative calm and spiritual programs. Monasteries host sermons, community meals, and cultural activities, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
Highlights:
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Processions with Buddha statues
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Chanting and lamp lighting
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Buddhist cultural performances
🎨 10. Rabindra Jayanti – The Cultural Ode to Tagore
📅 When: May 7
📍 Where: Agartala and Bengali-dominated towns
Rabindra Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, is a major cultural event in Tripura. Schools and community centers conduct poetry recitals, plays, and Tagore dance dramas (Rabindra Nritya Natya). A must-attend if you love art and literature.
Highlights:
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Poetry readings
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Drama performances
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Children’s art competitions
✨ Why You Should Witness the Festivals of Tripura
The festivals of Tripura are not just religious celebrations but vibrant expressions of its indigenous roots, diversity, and rich historical legacy. Whether tribal, Hindu, or Buddhist, each festival has its own story, symbolism, and spirit of unity. These celebrations give you a glimpse into the age-old traditions that continue to thrive in harmony with modern values.
📌 Travel Tips for Festival Season in Tripura
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Plan ahead: Major festivals like Kharchi and Diwali attract huge crowds. Book accommodation early.
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Dress modestly: Respect local traditions by dressing appropriately during temple and tribal visits.
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Carry cash: Rural areas may not have digital payment facilities during melas and pujas.
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Stay connected: Follow Adotrip for festival alerts and travel deals for Tripura.
🙋♀️ FAQs About Festivals of Tripura
1. Which is the most important festival of Tripura?
Kharchi Puja is considered the most important and widely celebrated festival in Tripura.
2. When is Garia Puja celebrated in Tripura?
Garia Puja is celebrated on April 7th every year by tribal communities across Tripura.
3. What is the significance of Ker Puja?
Ker Puja is a protective ritual performed to safeguard the state from misfortunes. It has strict traditional codes.
4. Is Diwali celebrated differently in Tripura?
Yes, Diwali in Tripura, especially at Tripura Sundari Temple, involves unique rituals and a spiritual ambiance unlike elsewhere.
5. Are the tribal festivals open to tourists?
Yes, tourists are welcome to witness tribal festivals like Buisu and Garia Puja, often with special cultural shows organized.
6. What is the best time to visit Tripura for festivals?
The months of April to November are ideal for experiencing multiple festivals in Tripura.
7. Are there Buddhist festivals in Tripura?
Yes, Buddha Purnima is celebrated by the Buddhist community with prayers and cultural programs.
8. Which festival marks the New Year in Tripura?
Buisu Festival, celebrated by the Reang tribe, marks the tribal New Year in mid-April.
9. Is Rabindra Jayanti a public holiday in Tripura?
While not an official state holiday, Rabindra Jayanti is widely observed in Bengali cultural institutions.
10. Where can I get updates on festival dates and packages?
You can check Adotrip’s festival calendar and booking section for the latest updates and travel packages to Tripura.
🌍 Final Thoughts
Tripura’s festive landscape is as vibrant as its natural beauty. From tribal harvest rituals to elaborate temple ceremonies, each celebration is an invitation to dive deep into the cultural soul of this northeastern gem. With Adotrip, you’re not just witnessing festivals—you’re becoming a part of stories that date back centuries.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and let the festivals of Tripura enchant you with their colors, chants, and community spirit.
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