Kharchi Puja in India 2023: Date, History, Facts about Tripura

Tripura, India celebrates Kharchi Puja annually on the eighth day of the new moon in July or August. This year’s date is July 26. Kharchi Puja, one of the most popular festivals in Tripura, entails the worship of Chaturdasa Devata, the dynasty deity of the Tripuri people. It is celebrated at the Chaturdasha Temple in Agartala. During Kharchi Puja, the Chaturdasa Devata are removed from the temple, carried to the sacred water, and then returned. People from both tribal and non-tribal communities participate in the celebrations, which last for seven days.

The background of Kharchi Puja

‘Kharchi’ is derived from the words ‘khar,’ which means sin, and ‘chi,’ which means cleansing. After 15 days of Ama Pechi, the cleansing of the earth and worship of the fourteen gods is performed as part of Kharchi Puja. During Ama Pechi, it is believed that the earth mother or mother deity menstruates. There would be no ploughing or soil excavation during this period. Menstruation is regarded as immoral by the Tripuri people, so during Ama Pechi, the earth is believed to be impure. After the Ama Pechi has concluded, the Kharchi Puja is performed to ritually purify the earth.

Chaturdasa Devata, also known as the Fourteen Gods, are confined in a room throughout the entire year. Only during the seven days of Kharchi Puja do the gods appear before the devotees. On the first day, they are led outside and cleansed in the nearby Howrah River. After that, they are returned to the temple grounds, where the royal cleric worships them. They are then transferred to a separate chamber enclosed by a wrought-iron net. Consequently, devotees can view Chaturdasa Devata throughout these seven days. The devotees present sacrifices of rams, poultry, and pigeons.

The significance of Kharchi Puja extends to both tribal and non-tribal communities. Kharchi Puja is supposedly a tribal celebration, but both tribal clerics Chantai and Brahmins perform the rituals together. There was a communal conflict between tribal and non-tribal communities in Tripura in the past. Now, however, Tripura is a very tranquil state. Kharchi Puja contributes to reestablishing harmony in this state. This serves as a link between the two communities. Tribal and non-tribal devotees participate with equal fervour, serving as a model for national integration.

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KHARCHI PUJA DATES