AGRTALA, July 10 (TIWN): “Kharchi” puja, an ancient Hindu festival in Tripura started today at Old Agartala, also known as 'Puratan Agartala'.

Like every year, the festival involves the worship of the fourteen gods forming the dynasty deity of the Tripuri people. Kharchi Puja is one of the most popular festivals in Tripura. 

Since yesterday night devotees thronged to the temple premise amid rainy weather.

Kharchi Puja is an important festival celebrated in the Indian state of Tripura, this year will be celebrated on July 10.

The deities are claimed originally tribe and were later adapted into the Hindu fold. All the deities have names in Kokborok, the Tripura’s mothertongue Kokborok language. It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami day in Ashad Month.

Kharchi Puja is a weeklong festival. The rituals are conducted by tribal priests and the main priest is called ‘Chantai.’