Festivals, or puja, are an expressive way to celebrate glorious heritages, cultures and traditions. It brings joy and emotions in our lives along with adding essence to our social lives. India is known for its diverse cultural heritage, and each state has its own unique traditions and festivals. It is a captivating topic and today I feel grateful to discuss a special, unique festival of Tripura, one of the seven sisters of the North-Eastern region of India. This fascinating festival is ‘Kharchi’ Puja, celebrated with great enthusiasm in Tripura. It comes on the eighth day of the new moon in July or August every year.
The name ‘Kharchi’ is derived from two Tripuri words ‘khar’ or ‘kharta’ meaning sin, and ‘chi, or si, which means cleanliness, signifying the cleansing of sins. Kharchi Puja is a festival of old Agartala, now known as Khairpur, that concentrates on the worshiping of Chaturdasa Devata (housed in the ancient Ujjayanta Palace), the ancestral deity of the Tripuri people. It holds immense religious and cultural significance and showcases the rich history and traditions of the community.
This puja was first performed 3000 years ago by the royal family of Tripura, and it is still primarily performed by the royal family of Tripura and Tripuri Raj Chantais’ today. Chantai is the name proclaimed by the puja priests. These Raj Chantais are elected from generation to generation as the King’s delegates. According to the agreement, the government has been covering the puja expenditures since 1949.
Kharchi Puja is mostly devoted to the Tripura Sundari, also known as Kharchi or Kharcha Baba, the royal dynasty’s God. The Goddess has been considered to be the ruling divinity of the area and to protect the people of Tripura. This event occurs fifteen days after AmbuBachi or AmbuPechi. AmbuPechi depicts the menstruation of the Mother Goddess, or Earth Mother, in Tripuri tradition. According to popular belief, the Earth becomes unclean during the Goddess’ menstrual time. As a result, Kharchi Puja is performed to ritualistically purify the Earth when her menstruation is complete and to wash away the sins of the people in the area.
The gathering of devotees from many areas represented the resurgence of age-old practices and traditions. Although the festival has tribal origins, both tribal and non-tribal recognize it in Tripura.
This famous celebration, however, has attained a worldwide character due to the participation of individuals from all cultures. The Brahmanical Hindus are also said to have influenced it. Only head-figures are assigned Brahmanical names. These fourteen deities are the kuldevatas of the kings of Tripura. They are Hara (Shankara), Uma (Shankari), Hari (Vishnu), Maa (Lakshmi), Vani (Saraswati), Kumara (Kartikeya), Ganapa (Ganesh), Vidhi (Brahma), Kshaba (Earth), Abdhi (Ocean), Bhagirathi (Ganga), Sikhi (Fire), Kamdev (Pradyumna), and Himadri (Himalayas). Har, Uma, and Hari are the three Devs and Devis that are worshiped on a regular basis. On Shuklashtami in Asadha month, however, fourteen deities are worshiped simultaneously.
The Hindus of Tripura also adopted these head images as prominent deities. Many stories regarding these fourteen deities spread throughout the state. The ritualistic worship begins a day before the celebration. Some of the essential elements for the worship include ‘buffalos’, ‘richhas’, ‘he-goats’, ‘eggs’, ‘bamboo poles’ and ‘pipes’, ‘an umbrella’, ‘an earthen pot’, ‘ducks’, ‘pigeons’, ‘bamboo sticks’, ‘ threads’, ‘cotton’, ‘turmeric’, ‘vermilion’, ‘wine’, ‘banana leaves’, and ‘rice’. The head priest, or “Chantai,” chants mantras while his aide sacrifices the animals. On this occasion, an extravagant, colourful fair occurs for seven days. The festival’s uniqueness stems from the fact that it becomes a symbol of peace, harmony, and solidarity as people of all castes, creeds, and faiths flock to the place to enjoy it.
Kharchi Puja rituals involve chanting, construction of the Chaturdasa Mandapa, the procession of the fourteen deities, and cultural performances.
Chanting is the recitation of religious mantras and hymns in order to invoke the deity.
The structure of the Chaturdasha Mandapa represents the Tripuri rulers’ regal palace.
The fourteen Gods are taken to the river “Saidra” by members of the “Chantai” (royal priests) on the day of the puja. The Gods are washed in holy water and returned to the temple.
Kharchi Puja occurs annually on Shukla Ashtami Day, the eighth day of the lunar month of Ashadha. The festival’s exact dates alter each year depending on the lunar calendar. The celebrations often continue for a week, with the main ceremonies occurring on the eighth day. Devotees from every part of Tripura and the neighbouring regions come to see and participate in this great festival.
In my compilation, I opt to say that these ecstatic festivals provide a chance to maintain traditions, define social peace, assist economic progress, cultivate spiritual connections, and unite communities. So, Kharchi Puja is not just a religious affair; it also showcases the rich cultural heritage of Tripura, colourful folk dances, traditional music, as the various types of performances portray the history and traditions of the Tripuri community.
(The article is opined on the author’s studies and personal experience and not in any way connected to any organisation or any political party.)
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