Tripurasundari Diwali fest: 2,200 security personnel, 500-drone show

Around 2,200 security personnel will be on duty at the Mata Tripurasundari Temple in Udaipur, Gomati district, for the temple's three-day Diwali festival from November 8 to 10, police said.

Gomati Superintendent of Police Anirban Das said the administration expects the number of devotees and visitors to be nearly double last year's, and that security arrangements have been stepped up accordingly, India Today NE reported.

Drone show on opening night

A major draw this year will be a drone show on November 8, organised under the Gomati District Magistrate. More than 500 drones are expected to light up the sky over the temple town with a series of formations and displays.

How the security will work

According to the SP, personnel from the Tripura Police and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) will be deployed along with plainclothes staff, covering the temple premises as well as the surrounding areas. Their job will be to manage crowds and keep law and order so that devotees can offer prayers without trouble.

Das said a dedicated team is also being formed to keep watch on potential troublemakers and to act immediately against anyone trying to disrupt the celebrations. He said the district police had begun detailed preparations with the expected surge in visitors in mind.

About the temple and the festival

The Tripurasundari Temple, also known as Matabari, stands on a small hillock in Udaipur, the former capital of the Tripura kingdom, about 55 km from Agartala. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas revered by Hindus and is among the most visited religious sites in the Northeast.

The Diwali mela at the temple is the biggest annual event in Udaipur and draws pilgrims from across Tripura and beyond. The town fills with stalls, lights and cultural programmes during the festival, and the roads leading to the temple are usually packed with traffic.

Plan your visit

Visitors should expect large crowds in and around Udaipur during the three days, especially on the evening of November 8, when the drone show is scheduled. With police preparing for close to twice last year's turnout, devotees planning to visit are advised to watch for any traffic and parking advisories the Gomati district administration may issue before the festival.