Agartala, October 11, 2025: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated the Sharad Sanman 2025 award ceremony at Rabindra Centenary Hall in Agartala, organized by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA). In his address, the Chief Minister praised the people of Tripura for ensuring that this year’s Durga Puja celebrations were conducted peacefully and harmoniously across the state.
He said that the Sharadiya festival reflects the spirit, creativity, and unity of the people. “Durga Puja is no longer just a Bengali festival; it has become a grand celebration for all communities, including the tribal population of Tripura,” he said. The Chief Minister also highlighted how artists from different states participated this year, creating a unique blend of cultural diversity.
Dr. Saha emphasized that clubs and social organizations play an important role in building a healthy, addiction-free, and socially responsible society. “Society and government are not separate. A beautiful and disciplined society can only be built through collective effort,” he said.
He also encouraged clubs to promote the Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative by involving local artisans in idol-making, pandal decoration, and lighting arrangements. The Chief Minister announced plans for organizing workshops for local artists through the concerned department.
Mentioning the grand farewell of Goddess Durga, he said that around 1.5 lakh people attended the event physically, while 1.6 lakh people watched it through various media broadcasts. “Tripura has been recognized as a front-runner state in terms of good governance and effective implementation of initiatives,” he added.
Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, attending as special guest, said that Durga Puja strengthens the bond of unity between tribal and non-tribal communities and urged everyone to maintain peace and harmony.
ICA Secretary Dr. Pradip Kumar Chakraborty delivered the welcome address and expressed gratitude to all for ensuring a peaceful festival season. Among the other dignitaries present were Agartala Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumder, Vice Chairman of the Tripura Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, and ICA Director Bimbisar Bhattacharjee.
The Chief Minister and other dignitaries presented awards to various clubs from eight districts under different categories — Best Theme, Best Idol, Best Pandal Decoration, Best Eco-friendly Puja, and Best Big-budget Puja.
In West Tripura, Cosmopolitan Club won Best Theme Puja, JPC Club won Best Pandal Decoration, Surya Tarun Club won Best Idol, India Club won Best Eco-friendly Puja, and Kunjaban Sporting Union received Best Big-budget Puja.
Awards were also given to top clubs from South, Gomati, Sepahijala, Khowai, Dhalai, Unakoti, and North Tripura districts in similar categories.
For the 2025 Durga Visarjan (Immersion) Parade, Shatadal Club secured first place, followed by Sanghati Club and Blood Mouth Club in second and third positions respectively.
