By TC News Desk
Agartala, 13th July 2024: The much-anticipated harmony festival commenced on Saturday evening, heralding the return of cherished traditions and cultural celebrations. Echoes of songs and melodies from yesteryears filled the air as the Kharchi Puja and festival, an annual event held at the revered Chaturdash Devata Mandir, Old Agartala began its week-long festivities.
As per the age-old tradition, the idols of the fourteen deities were ceremoniously removed from the temple on Saturday. The idols cradled by fourteen devotees received a formal Guard of Honor before being paraded through the streets guided by Raj Chantai. The procession led to the Howrah river ghats attracted thousands of devotees creating a vibrant atmosphere enriched by the scent of incense, the rhythmic beats of ‘Dhaak’ and the harmonious sounds of ululation.
The bathing ritual of the deities marked the day’s significant events, with the main puja set to commence following the ritualistic journey. After bathing, the idols were returned to the nath temple, where the Raj Chantai Puja was conducted with solemnity, including traditional sacrifices. The head priest overseeing the Kharchi Puja noted that this sacred bathing procession was an essential precursor to the night’s Puja, scheduled for 11 PM.
Dating back 300 years to the time of the Maharaja, Kharchi Puja has evolved from its original practice by Jan Jati communities into a universal celebration. The festival, held during the Shukla phase of the Ashada month, features a grand fair, with plans for approximately 1,000 sacrifices at the puja’s center. Over generations, the tradition has remained a unifying force, drawing countless devotees eager to partake in this rich cultural heritage.
