Birthday Celebrations of Netaji in Agartala
Subhash Chandra Bose, more popularly known as ‘Netaji’, was born in a refined Bengali family of Cuttack in Odisha. He was the catalyst in sowing the seeds of Indian independence and revolutionary ideas in the impressionist youngster minds. Every year along with the whole country, Agartala in Tripura also celebrates the birthday anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose which falls on 23-January.
This day has a different essence for this city. There is a state holiday on this day and people with enthusiasm look forward for the upcoming events of this day. Educational institutions and Government places will hoist the Indian flag early in the morning and distribute sweet or delicacy packets to all. Schools and colleges will be decorated with colored papers and flowers. Flower garlands are put in honor on Netaji’s idol.
There is a procession that is conducted on this day in Agartala. The chief minister inaugurates the function along with the education minister of the state. All the schools and institutions prepare some cultural events for this auspicious day and the center of focus is the Netaji Subhash School which is the first school established in the state. There will be traditional dances and themes acted by students on the roads. Trucks will be hired and decorated as per the themes and they also move slowly along the procession.
The procession starts in the morning around 9 am and continues till noon. Each school rally will start with its chosen representative holding the school flag and this will accompany with dance and song. The themes are related to India's struggle for independence or Netaji's life. As per the judgment of the best act or concept and performance shown in the rally, there are prizes distributed. All the participants are provided with food, snacks and drinks in between.
It is wonderful to experience this rally, to see the kids work so hard on the clothes, make up and the stage well prepared with all the decoration. The beautiful rendition of Rabindrasangeet (Rabindranath Tagore’s songs) or Nazrul Islam songs will transport you to a different world altogether. It shows that the spirit for leadership is still burning in the future of Indians hearts.
Apart from the procession, there are other celebrations in Netaji Chowmuhony area in Agartala. The Netaji idol is garlanded and in the evening the committee members arrange some cultural events in the evening. There are painting competitions also along with poetry recitations. There is a “Netaji Mela” or fair organized at Melaghar Kalibari field. This fair continues for 5 days. Toys, colored candies, salted peanuts, books, daily used articles, some simple joy rides and yummy delicacies, cultural programs are all included for this Netaji Mela.
Cultural functions are also arranged in Rabindrasadan auditorium where people color themselves Indian tricolour. Agartala plays a vital role in reviving the era when Netaji was around and inspiring the future generations to take an oath to become leaders like him. One who visits Agartala if possible must attend this occasion to experience the thrill of patriotism still prevalent in the region.