By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 22, 2026
Agartala, July 22 (FD) The 265th edition of Tripura's historic Kharchi Puja has begun with a unique environmental theme, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", symbolising the harmonious blend of centuries-old spiritual traditions and ecological responsibility.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the festival in presence of Transport minister, Sushanta Chowdhury, Mayor of the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and local MLA, Ratan Chakraborty.
This year's celebrations not only uphold the state's rich cultural and religious heritage but also promote environmental conservation through a series of green initiatives.
As part of the campaign, organisers are distributing 1,000 tree saplings every day to devotees during the seven-day festival, encouraging people to contribute to afforestation and environmental protection.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, more than 1,100 folk and cultural artistes from Tripura, West Bengal and several Northeastern states are performing throughout the week, showcasing the region's diverse cultural heritage through music, dance and traditional performances.
The festival has drawn hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists from across the country. To facilitate visitors, the Tourism Department has established special information and assistance booths at key railway stations and airports, providing guidance on accommodation, transportation and festival activities.
Kharchi Puja is one of Tripura's most revered religious festivals, celebrated annually at the Chaturdasha Devata Temple in Old Agartala. The word Kharchi is believed to have originated from the Tripuri words 'Khar' (sin) and 'Chi' (cleansing), symbolising the ritual purification of the Earth and the absolution of human sins.
The festival is observed immediately after Ama Pechi (Ambubachi), a period during which Mother Earth is traditionally believed to undergo a phase of ritual impurity. Kharchi Puja marks the ceremonial purification of the Earth before the resumption of normal religious activities.
A distinctive feature of the festival is the worship of the Chaturdasha Devata, or the Fourteen Deities, represented only by their sacred head-images. The rituals are conducted by the Chantai, the hereditary royal chief priest, who performs the traditional ceremonies in accordance with centuries-old customs.
On the opening day, the fourteen deities were ceremonially taken in a grand procession to the Saidra River, where they were given a sacred ritual bath before being brought back to the temple premises and installed within the specially prepared temple enclosure (net house) for public darshan.
The week-long religious celebrations, accompanied by one of the state's largest traditional fairs featuring trade, handicrafts, food stalls and cultural events, will continue until July 28, 2026. FD JK