Agartala, July 3: The centuries-old Kharchi Puja festival began today at Puran Habeli (now Khayerpur), just 8 km from the state capital Agartala. The annual celebration, steeped in royal tradition and spiritual symbolism, traces its roots back to the Manikya Dynasty when Tripura was a princely state.
Held at the historic temple of the 14 Gods, Kharchi Puja is a one-of-a-kind religious festival where devotees worship fourteen Hindu deities, represented only by their heads or faces. This distinctive representation sets the festival apart from other Hindu rituals observed across the country.
The deities include Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi (God of Water), Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev, and Himadri (Himalaya). Their idols are ceremonially taken out of the temple and worshipped through a series of vibrant rituals meant to cleanse the sins of mortal souls and restore cosmic balance.
Each year, Kharchi Puja draws over 30 lakh devotees and tourists from across India, who gather to witness the colourful processions, religious ceremonies, and traditional festivities. The event is marked by elaborate marquees, dazzling illumination, drum beats, chanting of mantras, and various cultural performances.
A unique aspect of the festival is the royal protocol still followed: the deities are escorted by Tripura Police personnel, and a guard of honour is presented to the Chief Royal Priest, known as the Raj Chantaiya—a role that continues the legacy of the ancient royal household.
The temple dedicated to the 14 deities was built during the reign of the Manikya kings and remains a sacred site. In 1838, the royal capital was moved from Puran Habeli to Agartala by King Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur (1830–1849), but the religious significance of the original site endures through Kharchi Puja.
Also Read: IIT Guwahati student named Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
