Agartala , Apr 15, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala April 15: Tripura on Monday observed Saptami, the first day of Basanti Puja with due devotion. Devotees from far and wide thronged to the Royal Durga Bari in the state capital to offer prayers to the deity.

The priest of the temple while addressing the reporters informed that Basanti Puja, also known as Chaitra Durga Puja is observed during the Chaitra Navratri.

“Yesterday Sasthi Puja (Devi Bodhan) was held at the temple premises and today Sampati Puja was observed following all important rituals including sacrifice”, he said.

The priest added that the puja is based on the belief that Durga Puja was originally held during the Spring season or Basant, to observe the Spring equinox but it was Lord Ram who changed worship period of the goddess from Chaitra to Ashwin i.e. October- November.

Answering the reporters over the tradition of Basanti Puja being observed at the Royal Durga Bari over years, the priest said, “From a prolonged period the Basanti Durga Puja is being observed at Durga Bari and was started by the Royal kings of Tripura”.

A four-day long fair centering the puja also commenced from Sunday last, in view of Basanti Puja.