Devotees Allegedly Denied Pushpanjali at Tripura’s Historic Durgabari Temple as VIPs Enter Through Rear Gate, Allegations of Preferential Treatment

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 19, 2026

Allegations of discrimination against ordinary devotees during the Pushpanjali ceremony today morning at the historic Durgabari Temple in Tripura have triggered resentment, with several worshippers reportedly returning without offering flowers to Goddess Durga after being denied entry to the temple premises.

The incident has raised questions about the arrangements made by the temple authorities during one of the most significant religious occasions of the year, with devotees questioning why access to the deity appeared to depend on social status and influence rather than equal opportunity for worship.

According to allegations raised by devotees, hundreds of worshippers had gathered at the temple early in the today morning, carrying flowers and waiting patiently to offer Pushpanjali to Goddess Durga. For many, the ritual is not merely a religious formality but an expression of faith, devotion and a tradition they eagerly await throughout the year.

The Pushpanjali ceremony was scheduled for 6:50 am. However, devotees alleged that the main entrance remained closed even after they arrived at the appointed time. Many reportedly continued waiting outside without receiving clear information about when they would be allowed to enter and offer their prayers.

The situation allegedly became so frustrating that some devotees, unable to enter the temple, were compelled to offer their flowers in the water of an adjoining pond. Several worshippers were reportedly disappointed by the arrangements, while some chose to return home without performing the ritual inside the temple.

The controversy deepened when, according to the allegations, some Very Important Persons (VIPs) arrived after the scheduled time and were permitted to enter the main temple through a rear entrance. A separate arrangement was allegedly made for them to offer Pushpanjali even though ordinary devotees had been waiting outside.

The allegations have placed the temple's entry arrangements under scrutiny. Devotees have questioned why the entrance remained inaccessible to ordinary worshippers while selected visitors were reportedly allowed inside through a different gate.

The name of temple priest Jayanta Bhattacharya has also figured in the allegations. According to the account provided by aggrieved devotees, the priest stood near the main entrance and turned away ordinary visitors, while allowing certain VIP visitors to enter the main temple through the rear gate.

The temple authorities' version of the incident and the priest's response were not available.

Notably, Goddess Durga is worshipped by people from every section of society, irrespective of their economic circumstances or social standing. Devotees believe that the temple should reflect the same spirit of equality and inclusiveness, ensuring that everyone receives a fair opportunity to pray.

The controversy has also brought the constitutional principle of equality into public discussion, with critics questioning the apparent disparity between the treatment allegedly extended to ordinary worshippers and that received by influential visitors.

Durgabari is a historic temple dating back to Tripura's royal era and holds considerable religious and cultural significance. The reported incident has therefore caused particular disappointment among devotees who expected the temple's arrangements to reflect the dignity and traditions associated with the institution.

Critics have pointed out that religious institutions depend on the faith, participation and contributions of ordinary people.

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