Kharchi Puja is a popular festival in the Indian state of Tripura. It is celebrated with great joy and excitement. This festival honours the fourteen gods and goddesses. The festival lasts for seven days. It takes place in the month of July. People from all over Tripura and nearby states come to participate. The festival begins with a grand procession. The idols of the gods and goddesses are carried to the river for a ritual bath. This ritual is believed to purify the idols and wash away all evil. After the bath, the idols are dressed in new clothes and adorned with flowers. They are then taken back to the temple.
Throughout the festival, various rituals and prayers are performed. Devotees offer fruits, flowers, and sweets to the deities. Traditional dances and songs are also performed. The whole atmosphere is filled with devotion and festivity. Kharchi Puja is not just a religious event. It is also a time for social gatherings and celebrations. People meet their friends and relatives. They enjoy delicious food and take part in cultural activities. The festival promotes unity and harmony
among the people.
History of Kharchi Puja
Legends have it that Kharchi Puja is a way to cleanse Mother Earth. Ama Pechi, which is the period before this puja, is considered the menstruation period of the Mother Goddess. Therefore, during this time, the soil is neither dug nor ploughed.
Menstruation has been considered unholy among Tripuris for a long and thus women are barred from all significant functions and duties during that time. The Earth too is considered impure and unclean after the menstruation during Ama Pechi. Therefore, to clean the earth postmenstrual period, Kharchi Puja is performed.
Major Attractions of Kharchi Puja in Tripura
1. Idol Worship
On the day of the puja, all the 14 deities are carried to the river Saidra while chanting the verses and then bathed in the holy water. After returning to the temple, these idols are decorated with vermillion and flowers.
2. Holy Offerings
In the Kharchi Puja, 14 deities are worshipped in 7 days by offering flowers, fruits, and more. People come together as one to celebrate the greatness of Mother Earth by dancing, singing, and much more.
3. Cultural Programmes
Throughout the 7 days of the Kharchi Puja, myriads of cultural programs are held in the evening. A fair is also organized to celebrate the occasion.
4. Animal Sacrifice
An important part of Kharchi puja involves the sacrifice of animals or birds such as pigeons and goats.
5. Public Holiday
A public holiday is also granted to the natives of Tripura. However, it is given only for one day. Another popular festival of Ker Puja is celebrated just two weeks after Kharchi Puja.
How to Reach
Agartala in Tripura is one of the most amazing places to visit and explore the beauty of nature in India. Famous for its culture and heritage, one reason to visit Agartala is to witness Kharchi Puja which is celebrated with great gusto here. It is located at an approximate distance of 2,444, 3,290, 1,542, 3,489 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can reach Agartala by following means of public transportation.
By Air
Agartala Airport (IXA) aka Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport is one of the busiest airports in the northeast of India. Considered the second largest airport in Northeast India, this airport is managed by the Airport Authority of India. It receives direct and connecting flights from other Indian cities. After getting down from the flight you will need to take some means of public transportation.
By Train
After Guwahati, Agartala is considered to be the second capital city of Northeast India to be connected by train networks. It has been well-connected with other Indian cities. Once you deboard at the station, you can book a cab or take some other means of local transportation to reach your destination.
By Road
Travelling to Agartala can be an unforgettable travel experience. It has been connected with other cities via accessible and well-maintained roadways. From the nearby regions and cities, you can easily book interstate/private buses to reach here. You can also consider booking a cab or taking your own vehicle.
- From Shillong - 448 km via NH6
- From Haflong - 361 km via NH8
- From Aizawl - 336 km via NH108
Read More : Festivals Of Tripura
Conclusion
Kharchi Puja is a unique and vibrant festival that stands out for its colourful rituals and joyous celebrations. It showcases the rich culture and deep-rooted traditions of Tripura, reflecting the spiritual heritage of the region. The festival brings people together in a spirit of devotion and joy, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Celebrating Kharchi Puja is a way to honour the deities and seek their blessings for health, prosperity, and protection. It is a time for prayer, festivity, and togetherness, where families and friends come together to partake in the rituals and share in the collective happiness.
The joyous atmosphere, filled with music, dance, and traditional performances, highlights the cultural vibrancy and unity of the people. Kharchi Puja is not just a religious event; it is a celebration of life and a testament to the enduring faith and communal harmony of the people of Tripura.
Frequently Asked Questions on Kharchi Puja 2024
Q1: What is Kharchi Puja?
A1: Kharchi Puja is a major festival in the Indian state of Tripura, dedicated to the worship of fourteen gods and goddesses. It is celebrated with various rituals, processions, and cultural activities.
Q2: When is Kharchi Puja celebrated?
A2: Kharchi Puja is celebrated in the month of July every year. The festival lasts for seven days, starting on the eighth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha in the Hindu calendar.
Q3: What are the main rituals of Kharchi Puja?
A3: The main rituals include a grand procession where the idols of the gods and goddesses are taken to the river for a ritual bath, followed by dressing the idols in new clothes, performing prayers, and offering fruits, flowers, and sweets.
Q4: Where is Kharchi Puja primarily celebrated?
A4: Kharchi Puja is primarily celebrated in Tripura, particularly at the Chaturdasha Temple in Agartala, the state capital.
Q5: What is the significance of the ritual bath during Kharchi Puja?
A5: The ritual bath of the idols in the river is believed to purify them and wash away all evil. It is a symbolic act of cleansing and renewal.
Q6: What kind of cultural activities take place during Kharchi Puja?
A6: During Kharchi Puja, traditional dances, songs, and other cultural performances are held. The whole atmosphere is festive, with various cultural activities that reflect the local heritage.
Q7: Who participates in Kharchi Puja?
A7: People from all over Tripura and neighbouring states participate in Kharchi Puja. Devotees, tourists, and locals alike gather to celebrate the festival.
Q8: What are the offerings made to the deities during Kharchi Puja?
A8: Offerings to the deities during Kharchi Puja include fruits, flowers, sweets, and other traditional items. These offerings are made as a sign of devotion and to seek blessings.
Q9: How does Kharchi Puja promote community and social harmony?
A9: Kharchi Puja promotes community and social harmony by bringing people together in a spirit of celebration and unity. It is a time for families and friends to gather, share meals, and participate in collective festivities.
Q10: What is the historical origin of Kharchi Puja?
A10: The historical origin of Kharchi Puja is rooted in ancient tribal traditions and the worship of the fourteen gods and goddesses, believed to protect and bless the community. Over time, it has evolved into a major cultural and religious festival in Tripura.
