AGARTALA, April 14 (TIWN): Charak puja is a traditional Bengali festival celebrated mainly in the rural areas was also observed in some places in Agartala. A festival dedicated strictly to penance, Charak puja stands unique in the scenario of Bengali festivals.

However, besides taking the fragrance of various flavored dishes the people of Agartala along with other Bengali dominated states and places preparing for Poila Boishakh or Bengali New Year on April 15.

The believers of the Hindu religion celebrate “Charak Puja” on the last day of month Chaitra (Bengali calendar). Monks in the rural Tripura including the places like Agartala Pratapgarh, Aralia, Chanmari, Teliamura Krishnapur and others performs several risk talking arts to observe the Charak festival.

Charak Puja is celebrated with great élan amongst the villagers. Around mid-night, the devotees gather to offer prayers to the deity. The rituals of Charak Puja, a way to show the miracle of God, are unique and, at times, a little risky. They involve the making of a human Charak, to please Lord Shiva.

The "Charak" is tied with a Borshi, a kind of hook, at the back and is then moved round around a bar, with a long rope. Usually 10-12 members together perform this ritual, with the main performer known as Deoboinshi.

Charak Puja has its own special place in West Bengal, the state of festivals. It is a special folk festival, celebrated for bidding good-bye to the passing year. It is believed that the celebration leads to prosperity in the coming year, wiping out all the sufferings and pains of the current year. This festival is celebrated on the midnight of Chaitra Sankranti, the last day of Chaitra month in the Bengali calendar, generally falling around April 14-15.

Many devotees observe a fast on the day of Charak Pooja, until the midnight puja takes place. On this day, bamboo stages, of average height between 10 and 15 feet, are erected, with their ground full of knives, glass and thorns. At midnight, when the puja as well as the fasting session is over, all the devotees get on the stage and start moving forward on dangerous ground. It is believed that the devotees don't get hurt on the stage, because the Lord blesses and protects them.