Tripura's only Portuguese settlement prepares for a damp Christmas

Agartala: The historically significant Mariamnagar Church in Tripura as well as the only Portuguese settlement located herein, are preparing for a damp Christmas amidst the Covid-19 restrictions at place. Church authorities and government officials have decided this year to minimize the footfall and the widely-popular festivities which are usually kept for a long time.

The Christmas celebrations at the Church this year will only consist of performing prayers and rituals with limited decorations and limited people as well. Despite being the central attention, government orders have cut down on organizing fairs and accommodating large numbers of people inside the Church premises.  The Church which is going to celebrate its Silver Jubilee in 2021, is used to welcoming lots of visitors on Christmas every year, who also come to partake in a cultural program on the Christmas day itself. However, this year the colourful lighting, the cultural program and the fair will have to be compromised on the grounds of the pandemic.

West-Tripura MLA Ratan Chakrabarty said, "This year we have cancelled the program of Kharchi Mela, the biggest fair of the state. The Durga Chowdhury Para Deepavali Mela was also cancelled. Similarly, on December 25th every year, on the birthday of holy Jesus Christ, we perform a big fair here in Mariamnagar. More than one lakh people, mostly from the young age group participate in the fair and share the joy of Christmas with each other. However, after discussing with the locals the previous committee of the fair and leading personalities of the Christian community, we have decided to not perform the fair this year."

It is worth mentioning that the Mariamnagar Church is a significant one in Tripura, as it is the first Catholic Mother church, and the Catholic belief had spread all across Tripura from this very Church. The Mariamnagar Church was constructed in the year 1937 and Fathers from Don Bosco, Holy Cross have been extending their support in running it. According to Father Ibraham of the Church, around 60 Portuguese families still reside in this area.

Nevertheless, the MLA informed that he has asked for voluntary support and security arrangements by writing to the SDM Sadar. To facilitate minimal Christmas celebrations and prayers for this community, the officials will organize arrangements as per the prescribed government regulations. He said, "Prayers will be organized with only 50 people inside the Church. The rest 50 will have to wait at the entrance. Volunteers, police and other security will be made to extend help to the locals."

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