'Ker Puja' festival celebrated in Tripura
In the northeastern Indian state of Tripura, Ker Puja, two weeks after Kharchi Puja, is celebrated to worship the Vastu deity 'Ker', this time it is celebrated from 11 to 13 July 2023.
The celebration of Ker Puja began five centuries ago, on the day of the festival, the entrance to the city is locked and people from outside areas are prohibited from entering the area.
'Ker' is a designated area or boundary where no one is allowed to go. That is why the city of Agartala is closed to visitors during Ker Puja.
'Ker Puja' Festival
A temporary ban has been imposed on lighting fires, wearing shoes, dancing, and other forms of entertainment. Anyone who fails to follow these rules has to pay a fine and start the puja afresh. Elderly, weak, and pregnant women are taken to nearby villages to prevent them from breaking the rules.
The royal palace of Tripura has long served as the main venue for the festival. Chantai, (the head priest) is given priority over any other authority on that day. A large piece of bamboo is rotated in a symbolic representation of the ker so that the sound is produced. The festival is announced early in the morning with a loud bang and ends with the same sound.
