The century-old religious ritual of Ker Puja was celebrated with full devotion in Tripura on Saturday. This indigenous ceremony, performed by a tribal priest called Chantai, began with rituals on Friday night. The Chantai, who holds the highest authority during the event, conducted the puja, which included animal sacrifices as offerings to the deity.
Speaking to reporters, the head priest explained, “Ker, the guardian deity of Vastu Devata, holds deep cultural significance with rituals and customs that have been carried out for hundreds of years.” He described how a specific structure is constructed with bamboo for the puja and emphasized the strict rules observed during the ceremony. Total silence is maintained, and the notified area for the puja allows no deaths, births, or even recreation. Outsiders are not permitted, and those violating the rules face fines.
The area in and around the Royal Palace has been the designated site for Ker Puja, where the rituals have been held uninterrupted for over 30 years. The former rulers performed this puja for the general welfare of the people of the state. The word “Ker” literally means boundary or specified area, indicating that no one is allowed to enter or leave the area for two and a half days during the celebration.
The puja rituals are carried out at government expense, honoring a promise the Tripura government made to the state’s erstwhile royal family over six decades ago. Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, along with other cabinet ministers, extended their greetings to the people of the state on this auspicious festival through their social media platforms.
