Kharchi Puja Festival Begins in Agartala, Tripura

The vibrant and spiritually significant Kharchi Puja, one of the most popular festivals in Tripura, has begun in Agartala, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors. Celebrated in the temple premises of the fourteen gods in Puran Agartala, the week-long festival is marked by rituals, cultural programmes, and a grand fair, creating an atmosphere of devotion and festivity.

Meaning and Rituals

The name ‘Kharchi’ is derived from the word ‘Khya,’ which means Earth, highlighting the festival’s focus on worshipping the earth and the fourteen gods who form the dynasty deity of the Tripuri people. The Puja is traditionally performed to wash away sins and cleanse the earth following its post-menstrual phase. This ancient ritual, steeped in tribal origins, is performed over seven consecutive days in July, starting on the eighth day of the new moon.

The ceremonies begin with the deities being carried to the Saidra River by chanting members of the Chantai. In a symbolic purification, the gods are bathed in the holy water before being brought back to the temple. They are then adorned with flowers and vermillion, and various offerings, including sweets and sacrificial meat from goats and pigeons, are made to honour the gods.

Community Participation

Both tribal and non-tribal communities participate enthusiastically, offering a rich array of ‘Prasada’ such as goats, buffaloes, and sweets. The communal spirit is evident as people come together to seek the welfare of themselves, their society, and the state. Each evening, cultural programmes add to the festive spirit, showcasing local talent and traditions. A large fair, featuring a variety of stalls and attractions, further enhances the celebrations, making Kharchi Puja a blend of devotion, culture, and community bonding.

Devotees’ Experiences

Sushmita Sutradhar, a devotee who has been coming here for many years, said, “It’s very pleasant to visit the temple here. I did visit every year, missed last year; but this time I have come along with my family to take blessings.”

Another devotee, Varun Debbarma, said, “I have been coming here for a long time. From my childhood, I have been coming here. It’s one of the biggest festivals in our state. We come here to receive blessings. Everything is smooth and well-managed. There are also parking facilities for cars, and drinking water is also available for the devotees.”

Basab Chakraborty, District Coordinator of Scouts and Guides, said, “We are here with a total of 210 scouts and guides, including teachers. The main duty is to maintain rules and regulations, to ease the devotees, and to provide facilities for all devotees.”