AGARTALA, April 20 (TIWN): Tripura tribals preparing for Garia puja across the state with decorating a bamboo stick with garlands; paddy, cotton ball, coin, flowers, puffed rice all wrapping with the Risa cloth is trying to this pole, considered to be God and worshiped.

The bamboo pole symbolizes the ultimate tool for hunting; as hunting was the main source of food for the tribes and believed that it had the crucial powers. Women wear a special kind of cloth on the festival called the Risa.

Along with the rural Tripura the festival of Garia is also being celebrated in some of the places here at the capital city Agartala like, Abhoynagar, Rajbari, Nine Bullets, Padma Pukur, Krishnanagar and other  tribal residents of the city.

Belief of God Garia blessing with food, shelter and clothing for the people makes them celebrate this festival. The festivals continue for 7 days that holds some cultural and traditional activities and one can enjoy the local feats also.

It is believed by the local tribal that God Garia provides bounty of livestock, children prosperity and peace. On Garia festival day, children play drums, sing and dance before the Lord Garia to appease him. A garlanded bamboo pole, that symbolizes the Lord Garia, is worshipped with flowers, grains, eggs and fowl.

The tribal of Tripura perform Garia Puja on the seventh day of the month of Baisakh (April 21, this year).  Garia Puja is celebrated with fervour vigour and enthusiasm in Tripura.

However these days, pandals of Garia puja are erected and decorated beautifully with bamboo in Agartala city and the festival is promoted by the state tourism department at its website with pictures.