Agartala, July 22: The centuries-old Kharchi Puja, one of Tripura’s most revered religious festivals, commenced on Wednesday at Puran Habeli (Khayerpur), around 8 km north of Agartala. Chief Minister Manik Saha, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the seven-day festival and fair, during which 14 deities are worshipped simultaneously in a unique ritual steeped in royal tradition.
Lakhs of devotees and tourists from across the country are expected to visit the week-long celebration, believed to symbolise the cleansing of human sins. The festival features elaborate rituals, colourful processions, Vedic chants, traditional drumbeats, decorative illuminations and cultural programmes.
Kharchi Puja and Mela Committee Chairman Ratan Chakraborty said this year’s festival carries the theme “Ek Ped, Maa Ke Naam”, under which visitors will receive free saplings to promote environmental conservation. He expressed hope of a record turnout, although visitor numbers from neighbouring Bangladesh may be lower due to the prevailing situation there.
Originally associated with the indigenous Tripuri community, Kharchi Puja has evolved into a festival celebrated by people of all communities, symbolising Tripura’s tradition of communal harmony and social inclusiveness. A distinctive feature of the festival is that the deities are represented only by their sacred heads rather than full idols. Animal sacrifice also remains an integral part of the traditional rituals.
The festival begins with a grand procession led by the Tripura Police band, while police personnel escort the deities and present a ceremonial guard of honour to the Chief Royal Priest, reflecting the event’s royal legacy.
The Tripura government continues to sponsor the festival under provisions of the 1949 merger agreement with the Union of India, which mandates support for 14 temples and associated religious ceremonies.
Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu and Chief Minister Manik Saha extended greetings, describing Kharchi Puja as a symbol of peace, unity, communal harmony and Tripura’s rich cultural heritage.
