Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Agartala: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the seven-day Kharchi Mela on Wednesday at the historic Chaturdash Devata Temple in Khayerpur, West Tripura. The festival runs until July 28. Devotion took center stage. It serves as a celebration of Mother Earth, purification, and the pursuit of virtue.
The Chaturdash Devata Temple shifted from Udaipur to Old Agartala in 1760 under Maharaja Krishna Manikya. Once a private royal shrine, it is now a public gathering place for all communities. Rituals are led by the Chantai, the chief priest. Devotees worship fourteen deities: Hara, Uma, Hari, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Prithvi, Samudra, Ganga, Agni, Kamadeva, and Himadri. While Har, Uma, and Hari receive worship year-round, the full fourteen appear during this festival.
Dr. Saha emphasized the theme of this year's event: "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam." This initiative promotes environmental conservation by distributing tree saplings to visitors. The fair grounds feature 22 exhibition stalls and performances from artists across the nation. Reflecting on the event's importance, the Chief Minister stated, "This vibrant festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange and strengthens social bonds among people."
The government is currently upgrading the site to boost religious tourism. Projects include a Nat Mandir, Haveli Park, and an open-air stage. These efforts align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on preserving India's cultural heritage. Similar upgrades are underway at the Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur. Mayor Dipak Majumder, MLA Ratan Chakraborty, Secretary Kiran Gitte, and District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar attended the opening ceremony.
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