Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Agartala: Tripura’s traditional Kharchi Puja began Wednesday at the historic Chaturdash Devata Temple in Khayerpur. Chief Minister Manik Saha opened the seven-day festival. The celebration runs until July 28.
Saha performed rituals to honor the fourteen deities. The list includes Hara, Uma, Hari, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Prithvi, Samudra, Ganga, Agni, Kamadeva, and Himadri. The Chantai, or chief priest, leads these age-old rites. The festival began in 1760 under Maharaja Krishna Manikya. It shifted from Udaipur to Old Agartala during his reign. Once a private royal shrine, it now draws thousands from across the globe.
Saha highlighted the importance of communal bonds. "This vibrant festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange and strengthens social bonds among people," he said. He praised the harmony between tribal and non-tribal communities.
This year, the Mela adopts the theme "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam." Organizers are handing out saplings to visitors to boost green cover. The fair grounds now host 22 exhibition stalls and a stage for performers from across India.
The government aims to modernize the site. Plans include a new Nat Mandir, Haveli Park, and an open-air theater. These projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to upgrade national religious sites. Officials including Mayor Dipak Majumder, MLA Ratan Chakraborty, Secretary Kiran Gitte, and District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar attended the inauguration.
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