Garia Puja, known locally as Mwtai Kotor, emerges as a vibrant celebration deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the indigenous Tripuri community nestled in the verdant landscapes of Tripura. Revering Garia, the deity symbolizing fertility, agriculture, and abundance, this annual harvest festival resonates with profound cultural and spiritual significance, enriching the collective identity of the Tripuri people. This year, it was locally celebrated by tripuri communities all over the country on 20th April 2024.
As the air fills with anticipation and reverence, Garia Puja unfolds in a symphony of rituals, prayers, and communal gatherings, all meticulously crafted to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest and overall prosperity, which is essential for the tribal culture and communities of Tripura. The festival becomes a vibrant tapestry of cultural expressions, adorned with the rhythmic beats of the Garia dance, the aroma of traditional delicacies, such as Awang Bangwi (sticky rice), gudok (a type of tripuri cuisine), etc. and the fervent chants of devotees. Each ritual, from the offering of prayers to the solemn sacrifices, serves as a testament to the enduring bond between the community and the land that sustains them.
The celebration of Garia Puja transcends the boundaries of individual tribes, encompassing the diverse tapestry of Tripuri communities. While the Jamatia tribe embarks on a collective observance spanning seven days, other Tripuri groups commemorate the festival within the intimate confines of their families, culminating in a day of profound significance known as 'Sena.' On this culminating day, whether they are Puratias (Debbarma) or members of other Tripuri tribes, devotees unite in a final act of worship, bidding farewell to Garia with reverence and gratitude.
Through the lens of Garia Puja, the Tripuri community celebrates not only the fecundity of the land but also the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that binds them together. As the festival unfolds year after year, it serves as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted connections between culture, spirituality, and the rhythms of nature, enriching the cultural landscape of Tripura with its timeless traditions and age-old rituals.