Garia Puja in Tripura (2024)

Garia Puja festival is celebrated in Tripura, a state in northeast India. This famous religious festival is celebrated with massive fervor throughout Tripura and is the state's biggest festival. It is a week-long festival and the last day is the most important day of the festival. This day is also a public or state holiday in Tripura. The locals worship the Baba Garia or Goria and Devi Durga during this religious festival. So Garia Puja is also called Goria Puja, Baba Garia Puja, or Garia Durga Puja by locals. Garia Puja is observed in the Hindi month of Vaisakha or Chaitra on the seventh day, per the lunar calendar.

Garia Puja Information

Rituals of Garia Puja

Garia Puja is a traditional Bengali festival celebrated primarily in West Bengal, India, to worship the deity Garia, who is believed to be the deity of fertility and agriculture. The festival is observed with great enthusiasm, and several rituals are associated with it. Here are some common rituals of Garia Puja festival.

• Garia Puja Preparation: Before the actual day of Garia Puja, people clean and decorate their homes. Temporary bamboo and straw structures, known as "Garia," are erected in open spaces or courtyards.

• Traditional Dance and Music: Garia Puja is often accompanied by traditional dance and music, adding to the festive atmosphere. People gather around the Garia structure and participate in group dances and cultural programs

• Arrival of Garia Deity: On the day of Garia Puja, devotees bring clay idols or images representing Garia to their homes or community spaces. The deity is usually depicted riding a horse, and sometimes with other animals or symbols associated with fertility .

• Worship and Offerings: The main ritual involves offering prayers and making various offerings to Garia. Devotees perform aarti (ritual of light) and chant hymns dedicated to the deity.Traditional offerings include sweets, fruits, flowers, and specially prepared food items.

History of Garia puja

Garia Puja was first performed in the courts of Tripura. Now it is celebrated by everyone in Tripura. For many years, when the courts were fighting over the rights of North East India, this was a festival and a festival that served as a bridge to reach people outside the castes. The celebration carries the hope of harmony and peace among the inhabitants. During the week of the festival, many small shows are organized to keep the residents alive and entertained. People go to these theaters for business and pleasure. During Baba Garia Puja, a bamboo staff is used and worshiped. This bamboo tree signifies Lord Garia or Baba Garia, the local God of cattle and wealth. Lord Garia is worshiped with flowers, wreaths, cotton threads, rice, chicken, wine, beer, rice, clay pots and eggs. Baba Garia's chickens and eggs are sacrificed according to ancient custom and their blood is spread before the god, asking for blessings of prosperity, health and harvest. and it is much better. Birds and eggs are considered symbols of fertility and prosperity. The priests therefore predict the coming year by observing the sacrifices.

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• Bengali New Year
• Bohag Bihu
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• Cheiraoba Festival
• Dr B. R. Ambedkar
• Vishu Festival
• Tamil New Year
• Himachal Day
• Ram Navami
• Mahavir Jayanti

Famous Places to Celebrate Garia Puja

You can enjoy the Baba Garia Puja celebrations across Tripura. The following places are worth especially visiting during Garia Puja: 

•  Agartala - The state's capital is known for its festivities and celebrations. Many fairs and other cultural events are organized to celebrate this religious festival.
  

• Dharmanagar - This town in Tripura is known for its religious celebrations. During the Garia Puja festival, numerous devotees come to the city to partake in the festivities and enjoy the festival.

• Matabari, Gomti - The Tripura Sundari temple in Matabari is a venerated attraction of the state. This ancient temple attracts a lot of devotees for the Garia Durga Puja. Devotees, after the puja, go to the nearby fair and enjoy the cultural performances.

• Delhi - The Tripura state government organizes a Tripura festival at Dilli Haat for the state people living in Delhi. This cultural event showcases the traditional tribunal art, the state's heritage, traditional dance/music, craft, regional culture, and Tripura cuisine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Baba Garia Puja serves as a significant cultural and religious observance for the tribal communities, fostering a sense of unity and devotion among its participants. The rituals performed during the festival reflect the cultural richness and spiritual beliefs of the community, making it a unique and cherished celebration in the region. Garia Puja not only honors the deity but also provides an opportunity for social bonding and the preservation of cultural heritage.