Kharchi Puja | 15 Jul 2024

Source: PIB

Recently, Kharchi Puja, which is observed annually on the Shukla Ashtami day of the lunar month of Ashadha, was celebrated.

• During the Puja day, the 14 gods are ceremonially taken by the royal priests known as "Chantai" to the river "Saidra" for bathing in its holy waters, after which they are reverently returned to the temple.
  • Throughout the festival, the Tripuri people not only venerate their 14 deities but also pay homage to the earth.
  • A significant ritual of the celebration involves the construction of the Chaturdasha Mandapa, a structure symbolising the royal palace of the Tripuri kings.
  • Kharchi Puja, also known as the 'Festival of 14 Gods,' this traditional event centers around the worship of Chaturdasa Devata, housed in the ancient Ujjayanta Palace, the ancestral deity of the Tripuri people.
• History:
  • Although the festival has its roots in tribal customs, it is now celebrated by both tribal and nontribal communities in Tripura.
  • According to belief, Tripura Sundari, the Mother Goddess and guardian deity of Tripura, menstruates during June also called as Ambubachi. There is a widespread belief that the Earth becomes impure during her menstruation.
  • Therefore, Kharchi Puja is performed to ceremonially cleanse the Earth once her menstruation ends, purifying the land and absolving its people of sin.

Read more: Ambubachi Mela Cancelled