Agartala, 7th November 2026 : The countdown has begun for the grand Matabari Diwali festival, with the historic Mata Tripura Sundari Temple preparing to receive an estimated 10 lakh devotees and visitors over the next three days. The traditional religious festival and fair will be held from November 8 to 10, turning Udaipur into a major centre of religious and cultural activities.
As one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple attracts devotees from different parts of the country during the annual Diwali celebrations. Anticipating an exceptionally large turnout this year, the Gomati district administration has stepped up preparations, focusing on security, traffic regulation, healthcare, drinking water and other essential facilities.
The festival will feature a combination of religious traditions and contemporary attractions. Besides the customary worship and rituals, visitors will be able to witness a special drone show, enjoy a three-day cultural programme featuring performers from Tripura and outside the state, and experience the beautifully illuminated temple complex and adjoining areas. Priests and religious scholars arriving from Kashi will also conduct a special Mangal Aarti.
Sujan Kumar Sen, Sahakari Sabhadhipati of the Gomati Zilla Parishad and Vice-Chairman of the Diwali Fair Committee, said the administration was preparing for an estimated gathering of 10 lakh people. He stated that ensuring the safety of pilgrims and providing them with necessary facilities remained the primary priorities. Arrangements are being made for adequate transportation, safe drinking water, medical services and other visitor amenities.
To streamline the management of the massive gathering, 14 sub-committees have been constituted. The police administration is preparing to deploy more than 3,000 personnel to maintain security throughout the festival. Around 80 CCTV cameras are also being installed at important points within the temple premises to keep a close watch on crowd movement and respond promptly to any emergency.
In a significant safety measure, bathing in Kalyan Sagar, the pond adjoining the temple, will remain prohibited throughout the three-day celebrations. Special police deployment will be maintained in the area to ensure strict compliance. The administration has appealed to devotees to observe the restrictions and extend cooperation to the authorities.
The fair will also serve as a platform to highlight the government’s welfare initiatives. Various departments will participate through 19 stalls and exhibition pavilions, displaying public welfare schemes, government services and achievements of beneficiaries. Visitors will thus have an opportunity to familiarise themselves with different government programmes alongside participating in the religious celebrations.
Meanwhile, the temple authorities have finalised the schedule for the special worship and rituals. Priest Chandan Chakraborty said the traditional ceremonies would be performed in accordance with the prescribed timings.
According to the schedule for November 8, Mangal Aarti will be held at 4:30 AM, followed by Chandi Puja at 5:30 AM. The Goddess’s Maha Snan is scheduled for 8 AM, with the main puja at 10 AM. Anna Bhog will be offered at 1:30 PM. The subsequent rituals include Maha Snan at 6:30 PM, Sandhya Aarti at 8 PM and Nishi Puja and Diwali Puja at 10 PM.
This year’s celebrations will also witness a special religious observance in the form of a nearly 24-hour Maha Yajna on the occasion of Diwali Amavasya. The grand ritual will be organised at the sacred Shaktipeeth, adding another important dimension to this year’s celebrations. Priest Chandan Chakraborty said devotees were eagerly looking forward to the special yajna.
With the temple and fairgrounds undergoing final preparations, senior officials from the district administration, police and other departments are making regular inspection visits to ensure that all arrangements are completed before the arrival of pilgrims. The administration is working to ensure that the three-day celebration passes peacefully while preserving the religious significance and traditional character of the historic Matabari festival.
