Agartala, Sep 30, 2025:
Thousands of devotees gathered at the Ramakrishna Mission in Agartala on Tuesday to witness the revered Kumari Puja, a sacred ritual that marks a highlight of Durga Puja’s Maha Ashtami celebrations in Tripura.
The ritual, which also takes place at several other community pujas across the state, involves worshipping a young girl as the living embodiment of the divine mother.
Kumari Puja: Worship of the Divine Feminine
This year, Swarnamita Chakraborty, a seven-year-old girl from Ranirbazar, was chosen for the puja. A beautifully decorated altar was set up for her in front of Goddess Durga’s idol.
Amid chanting of ancient Sanskrit hymns, priests conducted the ritual while a large congregation of devotees watched in reverence. The little girl was greeted with folded hands by worshippers, symbolizing respect for the strength and power she represented as an incarnation of Maa Durga.
Her parents, Kishore Chakraborty and Munna Bhattacharya, were also present during the ceremony.
Religious and Social Significance
A monk from the Ramakrishna Mission explained that Kumari Puja is not only an essential part of Durga Puja but also a tradition rooted in the Puranas and Vedanta philosophy, which teaches that divinity is present everywhere.
Beyond its spiritual aspect, the ritual also carries a powerful social message. According to the monk:
“Women are a source of spiritual wisdom, and Kumari Puja is a reminder of the respect and reverence that female power deserves in society.”
Key Takeaway
The Kumari Puja of Maha Ashtami in Tripura is more than a ritual – it is a celebration of feminine divinity and a cultural reminder of the strength and respect women embody in society
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