The historic Durgabari temple located in Agartala remains at the center of attention after marking Maha Nabami through traditional animal sacrifices. Temple authorities state that this ritualistic practice of sacrificing a buffalo and several goats has been an unbroken tradition maintained for the past 149 years.
Strict Secrecy and Court Compliance
The sacred rites were performed on Tuesday amid continuous chanting of mantras, but entirely away from public view. This secretive approach was adopted to strictly comply with regulatory restrictions and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court, shielding the designated sacrificial area behind screens.
Perspectives from Temple Officials
Temple priest Jayanta Bhattacharjee emphasized that this centuries-old practice remains central to the core worship, stating that the entire puja would otherwise remain incomplete. Meanwhile, temple in-charge Pradip Debnath explained that offerings made to the deity are never bound by fixed vegetarian or non-vegetarian menus, noting that whatever devotees donate is accepted without any dietary restrictions.
Contested Legal Background
This ancient ritual carries a deeply contested judicial history in the region. Back in 2019, a division bench of the Tripura High Court had prohibited animal and bird sacrifices across all temples within the state, which covered prominent sites like the Maa Tripura Sundari temple. However, the Supreme Court later intervened and stayed that lower court order while establishing specific regulatory conditions.
Royal Lineage and Upcoming Dashami Rites
The grand Durga Puja festivities at Durgabari are officially organized by the West Tripura district administration on behalf of the Manikya dynasty. Focus has now shifted toward Dashami observances. According to temple priesthood, local police forces will present a formal guard of honour to the deity during early morning hours, followed by an escorted procession of the holy pitcher to Ujjayanta Palace where surviving members of the former royal family will bid her farewell.
