CM Manik Saha Attends Kharchi Puja Celebrations In Agartala

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasized the importance of educating the younger generation about the historical background of Kharchi Puja and its fourteen deities. The inauguration of the traditional festival at the Chaturdash Devta temple in old Agartala’s Khayerpur on June 14.

About Kharchi Puja

Kharchi Puja is observed annually on the Shukla Ashtami day, which falls on the eighth day of the lunar month of Ashadha. This year, Kharchi Puja began on July 14. The celebrations hold immense religious and cultural importance and will continue for a week. The century-old auspicious festival of Kharchi Puja is celebrated with pomp every year by the people of Tripura. Also known as the Festival of 14 Gods, Kharchi Puja falls on the eighth day of the new moon in July or August. During the week-long festival, people worship Chaturdasa Devata, the ancestral deity of the Tripuri people.

Public Holiday on July 20

Manik Saha announced a public holiday on July 20, the final day of Kharchi Puja, to encourage widespread participation in the celebrations. He expressed delight in attending the festival once again, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage and the festival’s deep-rooted history. Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Saha recalled the challenges of attending Kharchi Puja, including hazardous river crossings, and emphasized the festival’s significance in fostering unity among the people.

Culture and tradition of India

CM Saha said that the culture and tradition of India are the oldest in the world. The new generation should be made aware of the historical background of the Kharchi Puja and the fourteen deity houses. The tradition of this festival will remain elusive if future generations are not informed about its history and background.

Fourteen are honored

The Chief Minister noted that while three of the fourteen deities are regularly worshiped at the temple, all fourteen are honored during the seven-day Kharchi Puja. He stressed the importance of passing down these traditions to future generations to preserve Tripura’s cultural heritage.

Who were present?

Among the attendees were MLA Ratan Chakraborty, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, former Minister Rampada Jamatia, Agartala Municipal Corporation’s Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, and MLA Sapna Debbarma.