Eid al-Adha(Bakrid)

The festival mark Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to Allah with readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Eid al-Adha or Bakrid is also called "greater Eid" and is celebrated a day after the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca (one of the most important Five Pillars of Islam).

Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is an important religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It is observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar.

 

Bakrid commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. Therefore, during Bakrid, Muslims sacrifice an animal, usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, to remember this event. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third is shared with relatives and friends, and one-third is kept for the family.

The festival begins with Muslims attending special prayers at the mosque, followed by a sermon by the Imam (religious leader). People then return home to perform the animal sacrifice. The meat is then cooked and shared with family, friends, and those in need. It is also common for Muslims to give gifts and visit relatives during this time.

Bakrid is a time of joy and celebration for Muslims. It is a time to reflect on the importance of sacrifice, charity, and obedience to God. It is also an occasion for families and communities to come together and strengthen their bonds.

KHARCHI PUJA

Kharchi Puja is a major festival celebrated in Tripura, a state in northeastern India. It is a week-long festival dedicated to  the worship of the local deity, Chaturdasha Devata, which means the fourteen gods and goddesses.

The festival usually takes place in July, during the month of Ashadha, according to the Hindu Lunar calender. It is held at the Chaturdasha Devata temple complex in the old city of Agartala, the capital of Tripura.

During Kharchi Puja, the idols of the fourteen gods and goddesses are brought out from the temple and taken in a grand procession to the banks of the river Howrah. The deities are then placed in temporary huts made of bamboo and thatched roof, known as "Kharchi". These huts represent the residential quarters of the deities during their visit to the earth.

The festivals involves various rituals, including offerings of fruits, flowers, and animals sacrifices are performed by designated priest from Reang tribal community, who have been traditionally associated with the festival. 

Kharchi Puja is not only a religious festival but also an occasion for people to come together, socialize, and enjoy cultural performances. Traditional music, dance and theater performances are organised during the festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Tripura.

The festival holds great significance for the people of Tripura as it is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection from evil spirits and diseases. It is an important part of the state's cultural identity and attracts tourists from different parts of the country.

UNAKOTI

Unakoti means one less than a crore and it is said that these many rock cut carvings are available here. As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva was going to Kashi along with one crore gods and goddesses he made a night halt at this location. Unakoti is also known as Ankor wat of the North-East.

 It is a place of worship with huge rock reliefs celebrating Shiva. Unakoti literally means "one less one crore" or "koti" in Hindi and Bengali. In the local Kokborok language, it is called Subrai Khung. and the prime tourist spot of Unakoti District, in the Kailashahar Subdivision of the North-East Indian state of Tripura.

The images found at Unakoti are of two types: namely rock-carved figures and stone images. Among the rock-cut carvings, the central Shiva head and gigantic Ganesha figures deserve special mention. The central Shiva head known as Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava is about 30 feet high including an embroidered head-dress which itself is 10 feet high. On each side of the head-dress of the central Shiva, there are two full-size female figures - one of Durga standing on a lion and another female figure on the other side. In addition, three enormous images of Nandi Bull are found half-buried in the ground. There are various other stone as well as rock-cut images at Unakoti.

LOCATION

Unakoti lies 178 km to the northeast from Agartala which has the closest airport, 8 km to the
east from Kailasahar district headquarters of Unakoti District 148 km to the south-east from Silchar The nearest railway station is 19.6  km away at Dharmanagar Railway Station on the Lumbding-Sabroom Section From Dharmanagar railway station it takes about 30–40 minutes by car. Travelling from capital town Agartala has become much easier nowadays.

PRESERVATION

The site has suffered centuries of neglect causing degradation and loss of considerable scale to the rock art. Since its adoption by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) as a heritage site, the situation has slightly improved, though a lot of work including substantial excavation remains to be undertaken. The Centre has recently granted Rs 12 crore to the state for developing the area, 178  km from here, as a major tourist destination.

Neermahal, The water Palace of Tripura, India

 

Neermahal

Neermahal also known as Twijilikma Nuyung ( "Water Palace" ) is a former royal palace of Tripura Kingdom, built by Maharaja Neermahal is a popular tourist destination in Tripura, attracting visitors from all over India and abroad. The palace is open to the public, and tourists can explore its many rooms, halls, and courtyards. The palace also offers stunning views of Rudrasagar Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and fishing.

Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya 

His full name is "Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma Bahadur" GBE KCSI ( 19 August 1908 - 17 May 1947 ), who build the Neermaha in 1930, and it took nearly nine years to complete. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was popularly known as the "Architect of Tripura" due to his contribution to educational institutions

Titles :

1. 1908–1909: Prince Kishore
2. 1909–1923: Srila-Srijukta Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur
3. 1923–1935: His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura
4. 1935–1937: His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sri Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, KCSI
5. 1937–1942: Captain His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, KCSI
6. 1942–1944: Major His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, KCSI
7. 1944–1946: Lieutenant-Colonel His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, KCSI
8. 1946–1947: Colonel His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, GBE, KCSI
9. 
   

History

The ‘lake palace’ of Tripura, Neer-Mahal was constructed as a summer residence of the royal family. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma, of the ‘Manikya Dynasty’, which is supposed to be the second longest remaining dynasty in the world today, built this palace in 1921.
Old Image Of Neermahal before renovation
In 1921, the Maharaja commissioned the British company, Martin and Burns to build a unique water palace in the middle of Lake Rudrasagar. The lake palace was designed and built on detailed instructions from the Maharaja himself and blended Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. Marble and sandstone were used extensively and even today, the stand-out is the profusion of balconies, towers, pavilions and bridges. The dome- shaped minars that can be seen from far, also give the Neer Mahal a fort-like appearance. The palace is said to have taken nine years to build.

The palace is divided into two halves. The western flank of the palace is known as Andar Mahal. It was made especially for the royal family. On its eastern side, there is also an open-air theatre wherein the Maharaja and the royals of their family may enjoy dance, theatre, drama, and other cultural events. The palace has 24 rooms in total. There are two stairways inside that lead to a platform on the lake of Rudrasagar Lake. From ‘Rajghat’ to the palace, Maharajas used to use a palm boat.

Architecture

The architecture of Neermahal is a blend of Hindu and Islamic style, with influences from Mughal British architecture. The palace is built on a raised platform in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake, with a central dome and four smaller domes on each corner. The palace has several balconies, arches, and intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. The use of white marble and red sandstone adds to the grandeur of the palace. The palace also has a unique water supply system, with water being drawn from the lake and circulated through the palace to keep it cool during the hot summers. Overall, the architecture of Neermahal is a testament to the skill and creativity of the architects and craftsmen who built it.
 

Neermahal is a popular tourist destination in Tripura, attracting visitors from all over India and abroad. The palace is open to the public, and tourists can explore its many rooms, halls, and courtyards. The palace also offers stunning views of Rudrasagar Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
In addition to its architectural beauty, Neermahal also has a rich history and cultural significance. It was built by the Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in the early 20th century as a summer retreat for the royal family. The palace was also used for various cultural and religious events, including the famous boat race held during the annual Rash Mela festival.
Neermahal is a symbol of Tripura's rich cultural heritage and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture. The palace is also a great place to relax and unwind, with its serene surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique travel experience, Neermahal is definitely worth a visit.

 UJJAYANTA PALACE, AGARTALA

Ujjayanta Palace is a magnificent palace located in the heart of Agartala, the capital city of Tripura. The palace was built in the early 20th century by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya and was completed in 1901. The palace was designed by British architect Martin and Burn and is a perfect blend of Mughal and European architectural styles.

Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya

Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya was the ruler of the princely state of Tripura from 1896 to 1909 and was known for his contributions to the development of the state. He was a patron of the arts and culture and was instrumental in the construction of several important buildings, including the Ujjayanta Palace. He was succeeded by his son, Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya, who continued his father's legacy of promoting art and culture in Tripura.

The palace was originally built as a residence for the royal family of Tripura and was later converted into a museum after India's independence. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient coins, sculptures, paintings, and other historical objects that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tripura.

The Ujjayanta Palace is spread over an area of 28 hectares and has two large courtyards, a beautiful garden, and several rooms that are adorned with intricate designs and carvings. The palace also has a grand throne room, which was used by the Maharajas to hold important meetings and ceremonies.

The palace is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene environment for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The palace is also illuminated at night, which adds to its charm and beauty.

In recent years, the Ujjayanta Palace has become a popular tourist attraction in Tripura, attracting visitors from all over the world. The palace is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Mondays.

Ujjayanta Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the rich cultural heritage of Tripura. Its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and vast collection of artifacts make it a unique and memorable experience for visitors.

TRIPURA

"WHERE CULTURE MEETS NATURE"

TRIPURA is a small state located in the northeastern region of India. It shares it's border with Bangladesh, Assam and Mizoram. The state covers an area of 10,491sq. km. 

             The state has a rich in culture heritage and is home to several indigenous communities such as the Tripuri, Reang, Jamatia and Chakma. The people of Tripura have their own unique language, customs and tradition.

                Tripura has a good network of roads, railways, and airways that connect it to the part of the country. The nearest airport is located in Agartala, the capital city.

              The State has a diverse flora and fauna and is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks such as Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and Gomati Wildlife Sanctuary.  

Trishna wildlife Sanctuary

In this sanctuary, there are patches of virgin forests which are rich in rare vegetation. Indian Gaur (Bison) is an attraction of this sanctuary. Apart from it, there are varieties of Birds, Deers, Hollock Gibbon, Golden Langur, Capped Langur, Pheasant and many other animals and reptiles.

                 Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

It gives shelter to about 150 species of birds and the unique bespectacled monkey, Phayre's langur. The primate section consists of four species (rhesus macaque, pig-tailed macaque, capped langur and spectacled langur). The crab-eating mongoose (last sighted in the 1930s) has been resuscitated.

In recent year, the state government has taken several initiative to promote the Tourism of Tripura. This has led to the development of new tourist destination, better infrastructure, and improve facilities for tourists.