Kharchi Puja: Age-Old Festival Begins at Fourteen Gods Temple in Old Agartala

The traditional Kharchi Puja, a week-long festival, starts tomorrow at the Fourteen Gods Temple in Old Agartala, featuring meticulous rituals and cultural programs. It draws thousands of devotees and highlights the region's rich cultural and religious heritage.

The much-anticipated Kharchi Puja is set to begin tomorrow at the Chaturdasha Devata (Fourteen Gods) Temple in Khayerpur, Old Agartala. This festival, rooted in tradition, dates back to the era of the erstwhile royal dynasty and follows strict rituals and customs.

The observance of Kharchi Puja in Ashadha is steeped in the cultural and religious heritage of the region. The festivities began on Saturday afternoon with the ritual bathing of the idols of the Fourteen Gods in the Howrah River. Temple authorities, priests, and a throng of devotees were present to partake in the rites.

Kharchi Puja, lasting a week, holds deep religious significance and attracts thousands of devotees from the state and beyond. The ritual bathing of the deities, which symbolizes purification, marks the start of the festival. Following this, the idols are returned to the temple with great reverence and ceremony. During the festival, the deities are venerated with offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets amid the chanting of hymns and traditional music. The temple is beautifully decorated, and various cultural programs enhance the festive mood.

The temple authorities have undertaken extensive preparations to ensure the smooth running of the festival, including security arrangements and facilities for visiting devotees. Besides being a religious event, Kharchi Puja serves as a cultural celebration, fostering community and shared heritage. Shardendu Chakraborty, the priest of the Chaturdasha Devata Mandir, stated, 'Today is the Adivash Puja of Mata. Now, Shaan Yatra has been successfully completed.'

He further added, 'From tomorrow morning, all the rituals will begin. From 5:45 am, Shaan Yatra and Adivash Puja will be performed. And afterwards, the Kharchi Puja will begin. The Kharchi Puja will end on July 21.'

(With inputs from agencies.)