Kharchi Puja

• Festival Origin: Kharchi Puja is a centuries-old festival celebrated in Tripura, initially a tribal Hindu festival but now observed by all communities and religions.
• Central Deity: The festival is centered around the worship of Chaturdasa Devata, the ancestral deities of the Tripuri people.

Date and Significance

• Date: Kharchi Puja is observed annually on Shukla Ashtami, the eighth day of the lunar month of Ashadha (June-July).
• Significance: The festival is dedicated to the 14 deities, and it signifies the cleaning of the Earth and washing away sins, following the menstruation period of the Mother Goddess, Tripura Sundari.

Deities Worshipped

• Chaturdasa Devata: The 14 deities honored during Kharchi Puja are:
• Shiva
• Durga
• Vishnu
• Laxmi
• Saraswati
• Kartik
• Ganesha
• Brahma
• Abadhi (God of Water)
• Chandra
• Ganga
• Agni
• Kamdev
• Himadri (Himalaya)

Etymology

• Kharchi: Derived from two Tripuri words:
• Khar or Kharta: Meaning sin
• Chi or Si: Meaning cleaning
• Meaning: Thus, Kharchi translates to "cleaning of sins."

Rituals of the Festival

• Construction of Chaturdasha Mandapa:
• Significance: Symbolizes the royal palace of the Tripuri kings.
• Construction: Made by traditional artisans from bamboo and thatched roofs.
• Main Puja Ritual:
• Process: Idols of the 14 deities are transported from the ancient Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala to the holy Saidra River.
• Ceremony: The idols are dipped in the river’s holy waters and then carried back to the temple.

Cultural Context

• Belief: It is believed that during the Ambubachi festival in June, the Earth becomes impure due to the menstruation of the Mother Goddess, Tripura Sundari.
• Purpose: Kharchi Puja is conducted to ritualistically cleanse the Earth and remove the impurities accumulated during this period.

Celebration and Community Impact

• Inclusivity: Although it originated as a tribal Hindu festival, Kharchi Puja has transcended community boundaries and is now celebrated by people from various backgrounds in Tripura.
• Cultural Heritage: The festival reflects the rich cultural and religious traditions of Tripura, combining ancient rites with community engagement and celebration.

Conclusion

Kharchi Puja represents a vibrant blend of tradition and spirituality, highlighting the communal and ritualistic aspects of Tripuri culture. Its observance ensures the continuation of age-old customs while fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride among the people of Tripura.