'Kharchi Puja Festival' started in Tripura
India is known for its rich cultural heritage and each Indian state has its own unique traditions and festivals. One such fascinating festival is Kharchi Puja, which is celebrated in the northeastern state of Tripura.
Also called the 'Festival of 14 Gods', Kharchi Puja is celebrated every year in July or August on the day of Ashada Shukla Ashtami. This year this auspicious festival started on 26th June and will go on till 2nd July.
The festival focuses on the worship of Chaturdash Devta, the progenitor deity of the Tripuri people. It holds immense religious and cultural significance and showcases the rich history and traditions of the community.
History and Significance
The word 'Kharchi' is derived from two Tripuri words - 'Khar' or Kharta meaning sin and 'Chi' or 'Si' meaning cleanliness. During the festival, the people of Tripura worship their 14 gods as well as the earth.
An important ritual of the festival is the construction of the Chaturdasa Mandapam, which symbolizes the royal palace of the Tripuri kings and is constructed by traditional artisans who create the structure with bamboo and thatched roofs.
On the day of the main puja, the idols of all the 14 deities from the ancient Ujjayanta palace are carried by the royal priest Chantai from the temple premises to the holy Saidra river in Agartala, where they are immersed in the holy water of the river and taken back to the temple.
