Kharchi Puja 2025, Tripura iconic festival of 14 deities, begins with grand rituals at Puran Habeli. Celebrated by lakhs, it showcases unity, culture, and tradition. With state support and national greetings, this seven-day event is a vibrant reminder of Tripura’s spiritual and royal heritage.
Tripura’s historic Kharchi Puja, one of the most significant religious and cultural festivals in the northeastern state, commenced with grandeur and traditional fervour on Thursday. Held at the sacred grounds of Puran Habeli — the former royal capital of the princely state, now known as Khayerpur, about 8 km north of Agartala — the seven-day long festival is a vibrant celebration dedicated to the worship of 14 deities.
Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the festival in the presence of several dignitaries, amid a flurry of rituals, prayers, colourful processions, and ceremonial grandeur. Every year, lakhs of devotees from across India gather to participate in the age-old tradition, which combines spiritual devotion with cultural splendour.
Union Leaders Extend Greetings
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President-cum-Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda conveyed their greetings to the people of Tripura on this auspicious occasion.
“Best wishes to our sisters and brothers of Tripura on Kharchi Puja. May this religious festival deepen our bond with Mother Earth and bring happiness and prosperity to everyone’s life,” said Shah on X (formerly Twitter). Nadda added in a separate message, “May this festival bring good fortune, happiness and prosperity into everyone’s lives. Have a joyful and blessed Kharchi Puja.”
A Legacy Rooted in Tradition
The Kharchi Puja has its roots in the traditions of the Hindu tribal communities of Tripura but has grown over time into a pan-community celebration. Today, people from all castes and religions participate in the festivities. The puja is believed to cleanse the sins of mortal souls and honour the 14 deities: Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi (God of water), Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev, and Himadri (Himalaya).
The festival begins with a colourful procession in which all the deities are carried in a traditional chariot procession, accompanied by chanting of mantras, drum beats, and the ceremonial Tripura Police band. The police also escort the deities and the Chief Royal Priest, Raj Chantaia, and present him with a guard of honour — a symbolic gesture that underscores the state’s deep-rooted royal and religious heritage.
History of the Puja and State Sponsorship
The state’s connection with the puja runs deep. On October 15, 1949, a merger agreement was signed between Kanchan Prabha Devi, the then regent Maharani of Tripura, and the Indian Governor General, bringing Tripura under Indian governance. The agreement stipulated that the government of Tripura would continue to sponsor 14 temples and pujas, including Kharchi Puja and the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple — one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India.
Since then, the Tripura government has funded the Kharchi Puja annually, maintaining a centuries-old royal tradition.
Devotees and Festivities
According to Ratan Chakraborty, Chairman of the Kharchi Puja and Mela Committee and a BJP MLA, the festival sees an annual footfall of around 15 lakh devotees. Speaking to IANS, Chakraborty said that if the weather remains favourable, this year could see even more visitors than the previous ones. However, due to internal unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh, the number of cross-border attendees may decline.
The seven-day celebration includes cultural performances, fairs (mela), traditional food stalls, and the lighting of colourful marquees. The event draws not only religious devotees but also tourists and cultural enthusiasts from around the country.
Royal Roots of Puran Habeli
Puran Habeli, where the puja is held, is steeped in history. It served as the capital of the undivided princely state of Tripura — which at one point included parts of present-day Bangladesh, such as Sylhet, Brahmanbaria, and Comilla. The 14 deities’ temple, constructed during the reign of King Krishna Manikya Bahadur in 1760, still stands tall and serves as the epicentre of the festivities.
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In 1838, King Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur shifted the capital from Puran Habeli to Agartala, but the importance of the former capital remains due to the religious and cultural prominence of Kharchi Puja.
As Tripura basks in the joy of this centuries-old festival, Kharchi Puja continues to represent unity, heritage, and the spiritual ethos of the region — a reminder of the state’s rich cultural past and the enduring relevance of its traditions.
