AGARTALA, July 7 (TIWN): Preparation of 7-day long traditional festival ‘Kharchi Puja’ is in its full swing, which will start on July 12 at iconic Chaturdasha Devta Temple premises in Khayerpur, in the outskirts of Agartala.

The seven day long traditional Kharchi puja will continue for seven days. 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.

The deities are originally tribal and were later adapted into the Hindu fold. All the deities have names in Kok-barok, the tribal language. It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami day in Ashad Month.

It is also decided that this year the number of the stalls will also be increased.  

Planning for cultural programme is also on peak in this regard.

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

Kharchi Puja  is observed at the Chaturdas Devata Temple at Old Agartala or Purana Haveli in Tripura. Kharchi Puja 2016 date is July 12. The highlight of the festival is the bathing ritual of 14 deities worshiped at the temple

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.

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.