Agartala’s Durga Puja Festive Spirit Under Cloud as Traffic Restrictions Keep Revellers Away, Questions Raised Over Unnecessary No-Entry Boards

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 18, 2026

Agartala, traditionally known for its vibrant Durga Puja celebrations and crowded streets throughout the festive nights, presented an unusually deserted picture after midnight on Saptami this year, triggering widespread discussion over traffic management, restrictions on public movement and the changing character of the city’s biggest annual festival.

The relatively thin crowds on Saptami night came as a surprise to many residents, particularly after the heavy rush and congestion witnessed on Shashthi evening. While some observers believe that the pattern of pandal-hopping has changed, with many people completing their Puja visits on Chaturthi, Panchami and Shashthi to avoid traffic restrictions, others have expressed concern that the festive atmosphere of the capital is gradually losing its traditional charm.

One of the major concerns raised by residents is the display of No Entry boards on several roads across Agartala, allegedly without adequate consideration of the inconvenience caused to ordinary commuters and Puja visitors.

According to complaints from residents, people travelling from distant areas are sometimes stopped well before reaching the city centre, forcing them to abandon or reconsider their plans to visit popular Puja pandals. The restrictions have reportedly discouraged many families from venturing out at night, particularly those travelling with children, elderly people and patients.

The situation has also raised questions about the need for a balanced traffic plan that ensures smooth vehicle movement while allowing ordinary citizens to participate in the celebrations.

Another issue concerns the Durga Chowmuhani to Barajala–Airport Road. Despite an advance announcement by the West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector that the road would remain open for public movement, residents alleged that Traffic Police personnel placed No Entry boards on the route before evening.

The apparent contradiction between the public announcement and the restrictions on the ground has caused confusion among commuters. Residents are questioning why a route declared open for public use should face restrictions without clear communication or an explanation of the applicable traffic arrangements.

They have urged the district administration and traffic authorities to clarify the situation and ensure that officially announced road-access arrangements are implemented consistently.

Residents who ventured out to visit pandals said the city lacked the familiar excitement, packed streets and festive energy traditionally associated with Durga Puja.

However, the lower turnout may not be attributable to traffic restrictions alone. Some residents believe that people deliberately visited pandals earlier in the festival to avoid the anticipated restrictions and congestion on the main Puja nights. Others point to changing visitor preferences and concerns over the quality and appeal of some pandal themes and decorations.

The combined effect, they suggest, may have contributed to the unusually sparse crowds seen on Saptami night.

more news...