The official state language of Tripura is Bengali which is the most spoken language in Agartala. The original settlers have their own native language called Kokborok. English is also spoken widely here.
Most of the people are Hindus, but people of other major Indian religions also live here.
Agartala has many influences from its historical past. Originally Tripura was a princely stated called “Swadhin Tripura," and its capital was not Agartala. Repeated invasions by the Kuki dynasty made the then ruler of the Manikya dynasty move the capital to Agartala. In later years, the British continued to use Agartala as the capital of the region.
Agartala has a dominant Bengali culture; people who moved here from neighboring West Bengal and Bangladesh brought their cultural identity, which blended harmoniously with the Tripuris. Durga Puja, Vijaydashmi, Rabindra festival, and Diwali are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. The unique festivals of Tripura are Garia and Gajan. These festivals are celebrated with ritual sacrificing of roosters, dance, music, and merrymaking.
Bengali food is available in plenty in Agartala. Fish, crabs, chicken, and mutton are cooked with seasonal vegetables with spices and mustard oil. Burma is a traditional dish made of fermented, dried fish.
Agartala is a “relaxed place” and has many natural delights. It is a beautiful place to take a leisurely walk, see the hills and the lakes.
Unakoti is an ancient place of Shaivite worship, dating back to the 7th century. It has massive rock carvings within a beautiful dense forest setting.
For a good understanding of the history and cultural influences in the state, you should visit the charming Ujjayanta Palace, built in the Indi-gothic style made popular by the British for government buildings and the palaces of small kingdoms. It was built by the last reigning king of Tripura, Maharaja Radha Kishore, but is now a state museum with displays of costumes, art, and crafts to tell the story of the development of Agartala and the surrounding areas.
Boxanagar village makes a good day trip from Agartala. It has become a place of great historical significance after a large 6th century Buddhist Stupa was excavated in the early 2000s.
