The great Agartala rush

Agartala markets were chock-a-block with people buying and selling frantically in the rundown to the Durga Puja and the Eid-ul-Azha that follows two days after the Puja ends.

The markets are flooded with fashionable and colourful dresses for all age groups.

Manoj Khotari, a shopkeeper said, "The market is good and sale is on the rise. There are more customers than the last time as people are happy with new stocks. Sale is also very good."

He said this year they have come up with more decorated and colourful designs of dresses in the market with more beads and 'zari' and 'gota' work.

People turn up in thousands in their best attire from all communities and religions on the streets of Agartala to go round the different Durga Puja pandals.

The five-day festival – the biggest in eastern and northeast India – is being celebrated across the state, with every city, small town and village joining the festivities.

The community pujas in the state number around 2,400 this year of which 800 are taking place in remote tribal areas in the districts.

Gone are the days when extremist activities dampened the puja fervour in the remote hill areas.

Along with puja, many are also busy shopping for the Eid, which falls immediately after the puja.

Karim Khan a shopper who came along with her daughter for Eid shopping said: “There is huge rush here. We enjoy the festivals together and go out to see the pandals. And after Puja, comes the Eid which is a big occasion."

Many from neighbouring districts of Bangladesh also turn up in Agartala to enjoy the Puja. And many Hindus turn up to enjoy the Eid with their Muslim neighbours.

"I love the food that my Muslim friends serve during the Eid. It is great," says artist Suman Dey. .

Tripura Muslim community accounts for eight percent of its total population of 3.7 million.