Agartala, Sept 21: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has called for a coordinated approach to make this year’s ‘Mayer Gomon’ event more vibrant, secure and tourism-friendly.
This year’s Mayer Gomon will be held on October 23, with the area in front of MTB Higher Secondary Girls’ School designated as the main venue.
Chairing a preparatory meeting for Sharad Samman and Mayer Gomon at Muktadhara Auditorium on Monday, Dr. Saha directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and complete essential infrastructure and safety measures well ahead of the festivities.
One of the key proposals put forward by the Chief Minister was to explore the possibility of inviting foreign guests to witness Mayer Gomon and developing special tourism packages around Durga Puja and the carnival.
He emphasised wider publicity and promotion of the event so that it can draw visitors from outside the state and gain greater recognition as a cultural and tourism attraction.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to complete roadside tree trimming and shifting of electrical wires at the earliest to prevent disruptions during the celebrations. He directed the police and other agencies to ensure that ambulances can move freely and without interruption throughout the Puja period.
With large crowds expected during Durga Puja and Mayer Gomon, Dr. Saha called for strengthened security arrangements and effective crowd management. He urged all departments and stakeholders to remain coordinated to ensure that the festivities are conducted smoothly.
The meeting, organised by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, brought together senior officials, elected representatives and members of various Puja committees to review preparations for both Sharad Samman and Mayer Gomon.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, acting Sabhadhipati of West Tripura Zilla Parishad Biswajit Shil, AMC corporators, ICA Secretary Kiran Gitte, Revenue Secretary Milind Ramteke and IGP (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper were among those present.
Representatives of several Puja clubs raised concerns over the use of DJ music during Durga Puja celebrations and idol immersion, urging the authorities to consider restrictions in the interest of public convenience and orderly celebrations.
Mayor Dipak Majumder said the government was working to make the festivities successful while meeting public expectations and sought cooperation from all stakeholders. He also appealed to major Puja clubs to participate in Mayer Gomon, noting that public participation in the programme has been growing every year.
Majumder said a single-window system has been introduced for Puja-related permissions and registration fees have been waived. A total of 697 Durga Puja celebrations were recorded in Agartala last year.
ICA Secretary Kiran Gitte said Mayer Gomon has been gradually emerging as an expression of Tripura’s cultural heritage. The programme has been organised in Agartala since 2022, and collective efforts are required to further enhance its appeal among tourists.
Revenue Secretary Milind Ramteke stressed the need for safe Puja pandals, adequate lighting, sufficient volunteers and proper management of the additional waste generated during the festive season.
IGP (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper urged Puja organisers to avoid forced collection of donations and strictly follow traffic regulations.
Director of Information and Cultural Affairs Bimbisar Bhattacharya led a detailed discussion on preparations for Sharad Samman and Mayer Gomon. A documentary highlighting Mayer Gomon was also screened during the meeting.