Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha extended greetings during the traditional Ker Puja, emphasizing its role in promoting unity, brotherhood, and public well-being. Performed with ancient tribal rituals, the sacred festival aims to ward off diseases and ensure prosperity. Leaders nationwide conveyed their wishes to the people of Tripura.
CM Dr. Manik Saha extended warm greetings to the people of Tripura during the celebration of the traditional Ker Puja held at the Ujjayanta Palace premises in Agartala. Emphasizing the spiritual, cultural, and social significance of the festival, he highlighted that the age-old rituals of Ker Puja are aimed at promoting unity, brotherhood, and public welfare across all sections of society.
Participating in the Puja organized according to centuries-old customs, Dr. Saha said, “Ker Puja is not just a religious event; it is a vital part of our heritage. It promotes goodwill and seeks protection from evil forces and diseases. It has been observed in Tripura since the time of Maharaja Trilochan and continues to be followed with deep reverence.”
The Chief Minister noted that the Ker Puja is held 14 days after the conclusion of the Kharchi Puja, which takes place at the Chaturdash Devata Temple. “The rituals are still performed according to tradition, and although the puja is now observed in front of the Ujjayanta Palace, it used to cover the entire palace premises earlier. A symbolic bamboo structure is worshipped as part of the rituals,” he said.
He further informed that the Chantai, or tribal priests, who usually conduct the Kharchi Puja at the Chaturdash Devta Temple, also officiate the Ker Puja, ensuring continuity of traditional spiritual practices. “We received their blessings during today’s rituals,” the Chief Minister added.
Ker Puja is one of Tripura’s most sacred tribal festivals, celebrated mainly by the indigenous Tripuri, Reang, and other tribal communities across the state. The puja is believed to protect the community from epidemics and disasters while fostering harmony and unity among the people.
The Chief Minister stressed the relevance of Ker Puja in today’s times. “This puja promotes the spirit of unity and brotherhood, which is crucial for the overall development of our state. It reminds us of the importance of living harmoniously and supporting each other, especially in the face of challenges like disease or social discord,” he said.
Accompanying the Chief Minister were Finance Minister Pranajit Singh Roy, MP (Rajya Sabha) Rajib Bhattacharjee, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, and other senior officials. All of them observed the rituals from outside the notified puja boundary, adhering to customary restrictions.
The Ker Puja is known for its strict observances and restrictions. During the 31-hour-long ceremony, entry into the puja area is regulated, and activities like birth, death, and even recreation are prohibited within the demarcated zone. Pregnant women and critically ill persons are not allowed inside the puja premises. These guidelines are enforced through official gazette notifications by the District Magistrate.
As per tradition, any violation of the customs requires restarting the entire puja process from the beginning, underscoring the deep spiritual commitment of the community. The literal meaning of “Ker” in the Kokborok language is “specified boundary,” referring to the restricted area within which the rituals are performed.
While Ker Puja is primarily observed in Tripura, similar rituals are also practiced in parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh and other northeastern states, showcasing the cultural linkages shared across the region.
The festival also witnessed greetings from prominent national leaders. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media to convey his best wishes, saying, “Warm greetings on the occasion of Ker Puja to our sisters and brothers of Tripura. May this sacred festival enrich the state and lead it to new heights of prosperity and well-being.”
Union Health Minister and BJP national president J.P. Nadda also extended greetings via social media: “On the auspicious occasion of Ker Puja, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all my brothers and sisters of Tripura. May this sacred festival strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood and bring peace and prosperity to everyone’s life.”
In the build-up to the puja, the rituals began at 10 p.m. on Friday night and continued for more than 31 hours without interruption. The puja area was sealed off during this time, and the traditional tribal priests carried out the rituals with utmost discipline.
The government-sponsored Ker Puja and the recently concluded Kharchi Puja are two of Tripura’s most important indigenous festivals. Both have historical significance rooted in the royal traditions of the state and continue to be major annual events drawing widespread attention and participation.
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As Tripura continues to preserve its ancient traditions, festivals like Ker Puja serve as vital reminders of the state’s rich cultural heritage, while also promoting unity, health, and social harmony in modern times.
