AGARTALA, July 21 (TIWN): Preparation of 7-day long traditional festival ‘Kharchi Puja’ is in its full swing, the festival which will start on July 24 at iconic Chaturdasha Devta Temple premises in Khayerpur, in the outskirts of Agartala.

The seven day long traditional Kharchi puja will continue till 30th July. During this period, huge numbers of devotees from all parts of the state will turn up to celebrate and seek blessings. This year the number is expected to climb considerably.

Therefore, the festival authorities are taking extra precautions to make sure every devotee that comes to take part in the festival spend their days peacefully and calmly. Preparations to provide round the clock services such as food, shelter and water are under full swing.

Also, strict preventative measures are being taken to prevent any unpleasant incidents that may happen during the festival.

 As day by day the rushes of the devotees are increasing, to ensure convenient movement of the devotees, the roads are renovated for the smooth movement of the pedestrians and the vehicles.  Water drainage system has also been developed in the temple premises area, including the roads and office building region.

With an aim to make the transportation from North Champamura to Bridhinagar Panchayat easy for the devotees, the concern department has decided to construct a foot bridge over the Howrah River. Further, to control the throng of devotees during the ceremonial worship, a drop gate will be installed at the Meghli Para transportation road.

Further, to lighten up the premises LED light were installed.

With the joint initiatives of the Block and Fair Committee, drinking water tanks will be installing to facilitate the devotees. This year the number of the stalls will also be increased. Around 20 to 25 stall will be set up by the government department. 

Restriction will also be imposed on the travelling of heavy vehicles on the national highway during the festival from morning 9 to 1 PM and evening 4 to11 in the night to avoid congestion of traffic on the road. As a part of the traffic control measures transport department Inspector and vigilance team will remain present to check if the driver charges hiked fare from the passengers.

Cultural program will also be organized with the initiative of ICA department.

The Kharchi Mela committee is constituted of 151 people and there are all together 48 members in the working committee.

Kharchi Puja is a weeklong festival. The rituals are conducted by tribal priests and the main priest is called ‘Chantai.’ The main feature of this festival in Tripura is that, whether the festival is basically tribal or not, all people regardless tribal and non-tribal join the festival in a joyous mood and become part and parcel of it.