makar sankranti at tirthamukh a blend of devotion heritage and security

Makar Sankranti at Tirthamukh: A Blend of Devotion, Heritage, and Security

Agartala, Jan 07, 2025, By Our Correspondent257

As the dawn of Makar Sankranti approached, Tirthamukh, a serene and sacred site nestled amidst the high hills of Tripura’s South District, came alive with a vibrant energy. Thousands of devotees began gathering from Monday to participate in the annual Tirthamukh Mela, an event steeped in tradition and spirituality.

The fair, which will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, is a key cultural and religious celebration of the state, attracting pilgrims who arrive to perform Tarpan—a ritual offering made to ancestors on this auspicious occasion. With every passing hour, the number of devotees swelled, their prayers and chants blending with the melodies of nature surrounding Tirthamukh.

This year’s mela is set to be a grand affair, featuring 429 stalls, including 20 government-sponsored ones, showcasing local crafts, traditional cuisine, and other offerings. The district administration, anticipating the influx of devotees, has made extensive arrangements to ensure the convenience and safety of all participants.

A Border Celebration with a Focus on Security

Tirthamukh’s proximity to the Indo-Bangladesh border has always added a unique dimension to the fair. While its scenic beauty and cultural significance make it a cherished site, its strategic location has also made security a priority.

The Border Security Force (BSF), along with the local district administrations of Dhalai and Gomati, has undertaken a series of initiatives to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the mela. In a statement, Anil Sharma, DIG of BSF’s Sector HQ in Udaipur, emphasized the importance of a robust security plan to prevent any untoward incidents or interference from miscreants across the border.

To this end, multi-layered security arrangements have been implemented:

Additional troops have been deployed along the border to prevent infiltration.
Joint patrols with the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and local police are being conducted to maintain vigilance.
Riverine domination is being carried out in the Gomati River and Damboor Lake to monitor unauthorized movements.
Night Vision Devices, drones, and CCTV cameras have been employed to enhance surveillance along critical patches of the border near Tirthamukh.

Local stakeholders, including the Taxi Operators Association and the Boat Association, have been engaged to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly along the Indo-Bangladesh Border Road (IBBR). Interceptor teams on motorbikes are patrolling the area, and mobile checkpoints have been established for random vehicle inspections, promoting both deterrence and a sense of security among visitors.

Preserving Culture Amid Modern Challenges

The Tirthamukh Mela is not just a fair but a vibrant celebration of Tripura’s cultural heritage. While the challenges of modernization and border security add layers of complexity to its organization, the dedication of local communities and authorities ensures that the festival continues to thrive.

As devotees light lamps and offer prayers under the watchful gaze of the hills, the BSF extended its warm greetings to all pilgrims on the auspicious occasion of Poush Sankranti. Their efforts, along with those of local stakeholders, reflect a beautiful synergy of tradition and modern governance, safeguarding the essence of this cherished festival.

In the glow of the rituals and the hum of community spirit, Tirthamukh once again stands as a testament to the resilience of culture, faith, and human connection.