Agartala: Jan 14. Former Tripura Chief Minister and current Lok Sabha MP from West Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, on Tuesday inaugurated the 139th edition of the historic Poush Mela and Uttarayan Festival at Pratyekray Boro Akhra under the Bagbassa Assembly constituency in North Tripura district.
The inauguration ceremony was held at around 5:30 pm with the lighting of ceremonial lamps. Prior to the event, MP Deb was escorted to the mela venue through a roadshow from Kalacherra Higher Secondary School, which drew large public participation.
Among those present were Bagbassa MLA and Mela Committee Chairman Jadab Lal Debnath, Mela Convener and Kalachhara Block BDO Narayan Debnath, Committee President Gourmani Nama, North Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Aparna Nath, Saha-Sabhadhipati Bhabatosh Das, Kalacherra Panchayat Samiti Chairman Tinku Sharma, along with social workers Bikash Nath and Kajal Das, besides other dignitaries.
Addressing the media, Biplab Deb made pointed political remarks, alleging ideological contradictions during the previous Left Front government. He claimed that former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar had planted Rudraksha and Tulsi saplings at the official Chief Minister’s residence, while allegedly discouraging others from planting Tulsi. Deb said these instances reflect India’s deep-rooted cultural unity, asserting that Indian identity and culture cannot be separated from tradition, irrespective of political ideology.
He further noted that Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan is celebrated across the country under various names, including Pongal, Khichdi, Lohri and Bihu, describing the festival as a symbol of national unity beyond regional differences. He also remarked that the lotus flower planted earlier is now visible across the state, drawing a symbolic connection to the present.
The Pratyekray Boro Akhra Poush Mela, which began after Vaishnavi Bishakha Dasi donated her entire property to the Akhra, has gradually expanded from a one-day event into a five-day festival. The fair is now officially organised with government support and is regarded as one of the oldest cultural events in the region.
This year’s mela features decorative flower gardens, selfie points, food stalls, stalls selling daily-use items, self-help group exhibition stalls, and kiosks of various government departments. An amusement zone, along with police assistance and help desks, has been set up to ensure safety and convenience for visitors.
With enthusiastic participation from people across North Tripura, the mela premises have taken on a festive atmosphere, showcasing a vibrant blend of heritage, culture, and community spirit.
