Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the seven-day Kharchi Mela at Chaturdasha Devata Temple in Khayerpur, highlighting Kharchi Puja as a symbol of Tripura’s rich heritage, communal harmony, unity in diversity, religious tourism, environmental conservation, and cultural pride.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday inaugurated the week-long Kharchi Mela at the historic Chaturdasha Devata Temple in Khayerpur, West Tripura district, marking the beginning of one of the state’s oldest and most significant religious festivals. The inauguration witnessed the participation of devotees, cultural enthusiasts, government officials, and local representatives, reflecting the festival’s enduring importance in Tripura’s social and cultural life.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Saha described Kharchi Puja as much more than a religious celebration. He said the centuries-old festival symbolizes Tripura’s glorious history, vibrant cultural heritage, spiritual values, communal harmony, and the collective unity of the state’s tribal and non-tribal communities.
“Kharchi Puja is not merely a religious festival. This centuries-old celebration represents Tripura’s rich history, culture, spiritual consciousness, communal harmony, and the unity of all communities. It is one of the state’s oldest and most inclusive festivals, where cultural exchanges strengthen social bonds,” the Chief Minister said.
Dr. Saha also expressed happiness over inaugurating the seven-day fair and cultural programmes organised around the festival and wished that the sacred occasion would bring peace, harmony, prosperity, and happiness to every citizen through collective participation.
Highlighting the historical significance of the Chaturdasha Devata Temple, the Chief Minister said the shrine was shifted from Udaipur to Old Agartala in 1760 during the reign of Maharaja Krishna Manikya. Originally serving as the royal family’s ancestral temple, it has evolved into a festival celebrated by people from every section of society, reflecting Tripura’s inclusive traditions.
The Chief Minister explained that the rituals of Kharchi Puja are led by the Chantai, the chief priest, during which fourteen deities—Hara, Uma, Hari, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Prithvi (Earth), Samudra (Sea), Ganga, Agni (Fire), Kamadeva, and Himadri—are worshipped. The festival is traditionally associated with the worship of Mother Earth, spiritual purification, and the pursuit of virtue.
This year’s Kharchi Mela is being organised under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naata,” promoting environmental conservation and afforestation. As part of the initiative, thousands of saplings will be distributed among visitors to encourage tree plantation and create greater awareness about environmental protection.
Dr. Saha said the state government is committed to transforming the Chaturdasha Devata Temple into a modern religious tourism destination. Several infrastructure projects, including the construction of a Nat Mandir, Haveli Park, and an open-air stage, are being undertaken to improve facilities for devotees and attract more tourists to the historic site.
He further stated that the government’s initiatives align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Similar developmental efforts are also being carried out at the revered Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur and other important religious destinations across the state.
Emphasising that “unity in diversity is one of Tripura’s greatest strengths,” the Chief Minister said the harmonious coexistence of the state’s diverse indigenous and non-indigenous communities serves as a source of pride, resilience, and inspiration. He noted that festivals like Kharchi Puja continue to strengthen mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and social cohesion among people from different backgrounds.
The seven-day Kharchi Festival will continue until July 28, featuring religious rituals, cultural performances, exhibitions, traditional fairs, and various community activities that attract thousands of devotees and visitors from across Tripura and neighbouring regions every year.
Among those present during the inaugural ceremony were Mayor Dipak Majumder, local MLA and Mela Organising Committee Chairman Ratan Chakraborty, Secretary Kiran Gitte, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, along with senior government officials, public representatives, priests, and a large number of devotees.
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With its blend of spirituality, heritage, culture, environmental awareness, and communal harmony, the Kharchi Mela continues to stand as one of Tripura’s most cherished festivals, celebrating the state’s timeless traditions while promoting unity and sustainable development.
