The 265th edition of Kharchi Puja has commenced in Tripura with the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, combining the State’s rich religious traditions with environmental conservation through a large-scale tree plantation campaign.

Kharchi Puja is one of the most important traditional festivals of Tripura, celebrated annually at the Chaturdasha Devata Temple in Old Agartala. The festival reflects the unique cultural heritage of the former Tripuri kingdom and symbolises the purification of the Earth and society through rituals dedicated to the Chaturdasha Devata (Fourteen Deities).

Key Highlights

• The 265th edition of the festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Manik Saha.
• This year’s celebrations are centred on the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, promoting environmental protection alongside religious observances.
• 1,000 saplings are being distributed daily during the seven-day festival to encourage public participation in tree plantation.
• More than 1,100 folk and cultural artists from Tripura and other Northeastern States are participating in cultural performances.

About Kharchi Puja

• The festival is celebrated every year at the Chaturdasha Devata Temple in Old Agartala.
• It is dedicated to the Chaturdasha Devata, the Fourteen Guardian Deities of the erstwhile Tripura Kingdom which includes:
  • Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi (the deity of water), Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev and Himadri (Himalaya).
• A distinctive feature of the festival is that the deities are worshipped in the form of their sacred head-images rather than full idols.
• It is celebrated every year during June-July.
• The idols remain preserved throughout the year and are ceremonially brought out only during this annual festival.
• The festival also attracts pilgrims and tourists from across India as well as neighbouring Bangladesh, making it one of Tripura’s largest annual gatherings.
• The word “Kharchi” is believed to be derived from “Khya” (Earth), and the festival is traditionally associated with the ritual purification of Mother Earth after the period of menstruation, according to local beliefs.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. With reference to Kharchi Puja, consider the following statements:

1. It is celebrated annually at the Chaturdasha Devata Temple in Old Agartala, Tripura.
2. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Fourteen Deities (Chaturdasha Devata).
3. During the festival, the deities are worshipped in the form of sacred head-images.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
(d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

Kharchi Puja showcases Tripura’s rich cultural heritage while demonstrating how traditional festivals can promote environmental awareness and community participation.