Agartala, the vibrant capital of Tripura, is renowned for its lively festivals and rich cultural heritage. Among these, Kharchi Puja in Agartala stands out as a prominent and fascinating celebration, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors. This blog explores the captivating aspects of Kharchi Puja, highlighting its historical importance, the ceremonies involved, and the vibrant atmosphere it creates in Agartala.
Historical Significance of Kharchi Puja
The name Kharchi is derived from two Tripuri words: 'Khar' or Kharta, which means sin, and 'Chi' or si, which means cleanliness. The last meaning is the cleansing of the people's or kingdom's sins. The Khachi puja is held after 15 days of Ama pechi or Ambu bachi. According to Tripuri mythology, Ama Pechi represents the menstruation of the mother deity or earth mother. So the earth is not being ploughed or dug anywhere today. Menstruation is considered evil in Tripuri culture, hence women are barred from performing auspicious functions during this time. Even priests whose wives are menstruation are restricted from performing any auspicious or religious ceremony.
Kharchi Puja is an annual festival observed with great enthusiasm in Agartala. The name 'Kharchi' comes from the Kokborok language and means 'auspicious period' or 'auspicious ritual.' Kharchi Puja originated in ancient times and is thought to have been introduced by Tripura's royal families. The celebration was originally conducted to cleanse the planet and mankind of sins while also seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. Kharchi Puja has grown over time into a spectacular festival of Tripura's cultural diversity and spiritual devotion.
Rituals and Celebrations
Kharchi Puja in Agartala continues for a week and usually takes place in July. The main rites take place at the Chaturdasha Devata Temple in Old Agartala, around 8 km from the city core. The temple, embellished with beautiful carvings and a peaceful atmosphere, becomes the main attraction of the celebrations. On the day of puja, members of the chantai carry the fourteen idols to the river Saidra, where they are bathed in holy water before being returned to the temple. They are again placed in the temple, decorated with various flowers, and vermillion is applied to the foreheads of the deities.
The traditional dance and music performances at Kharchi Puja are one of its attractions. Folk artists from all across Tripura gather to demonstrate their talents, contributing to the festival's cultural diversity. The rhythmic beats of the dhol, the lyrical tones of the flute, and the exquisite movements of the dancers provide a fascinating experience for the audience.
Experiencing Kharchi Puja as a Tourist
- Plan Ahead: Book accommodation and transportation in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Respect the Traditions: Dress modestly and follow guidelines provided by the temple authorities.
- Explore Agartala: Visit Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, and Tripura State Museum.
- Try Local Cuisine: Don't miss out on trying unique Tripura dishes like Mui Borok, Wahan Mosdeng, and Awan Bangwi at the food stalls during Kharchi Puja.
/Studio_Suite_vzasoq)
Why choose Hotel Polo Towers, Agartala
Our 5-star property hotelin Agartala offers a variety of modern living areas that are pleasant and equipped with cutting-edge amenities to ensure our visitors enjoy a comfortable stay. Our living spaces, the Premiere Rooms, Boutique Rooms, Executive Suite, and Presidential Suite, have a variety of facilities like as 24-hour room service, a tea and coffee maker, laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more.
/Skygrill_(4))
At Hotel Polo Towers in Agartala, we believe in offering our guests the greatest quality food from across the world. Our hotel in Agartala has two in-house restaurants and a popular bar. If you want a platter of international specialities, head to Three 81 Restaurant, and for grilled delights, go to Sky Grill. The Grand Bar serves a variety of traditional and international beverages.
The Kharchi Puja in Agartala is a celebration of faith, culture, and community."It provides a special and rewarding experience for both devotees and travellers.”