Governor inaugurates three-day Neermahal Water Festival

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 8, 2026

Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu on Wednesday inaugurated the three-day Neermahal Jal Utsav at Rajghat in Melaghar, with the festival focusing on promoting the heritage site and improving livelihood opportunities for fishermen families living around Rudrasagar Lake.

The festival, jointly organised by the Tripura Tourism Development Corporation, Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Sepahijala Zila Parishad, Melaghar Municipal Council, Rudrasagar Udvastu Matsyajibi Samabay Samiti and the Sepahijala district administration, will continue until October 9.

Nallu inaugurated the festival by lighting a ceremonial lamp and spoke about the historical background of Neermahal. He stressed the need to present the heritage site better to domestic and foreign tourists to attract more visitors and advised the state government to take necessary measures in this regard.

The Governor also called for initiatives to improve the socio-economic conditions of fishermen families living around Rudrasagar Lake. He emphasised the need to develop better accommodation facilities near the Neermahal tourist spot, saying this would create income-generating opportunities for local people.

Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman, who presided over the inaugural programme, described the Neermahal Jal Utsav as an integral part of Tripura's culture.

“Neermahal is not just a palace, it is part of our life and identity,” Barman said, referring to the dependence of fishermen families on Rudrasagar Lake.

He said the folk culture of the area had developed around the lives of people associated with the lake, with Bhatiali songs, folk songs, folk dances and other cultural traditions forming part of the riverine lifestyle.

MLA Bindu Debnath was the guest of honour at the programme.

Tourism Department Secretary Uttam Kumar Chakma delivered the welcome address, while Rudrasagar Udvastu Matsyajibi Samabay Samiti Secretary Parameswar Das proposed the vote of thanks.

Sepahijala Zilla Parishad Saha Sabhadhipati Pintu Aich, Sepahijala District Magistrate Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, Melaghar Municipal Council Vice-Chairperson Gurupada Roy and Mohanbhog Panchayat Samiti Vice-Chairman Jitendra Das were among those present.

The inaugural programme also featured a cultural performance by local artistes from Melaghar.

more news...