July 01, 2017: The seven-day long traditional Kharchi Puja and Mela began at Puran Haveli amid tight security today. ‘Chantai’ – the main priest of puja – was given Guard of Honour and a procession was taken out with the fourteen deities for a holy dip in Howrah Ghat today early morning. The priests performed the rituals and a large number of devotees of different caste, creed and religion took part in the procession.
State Tourism Minister Ratan Bhowmik inaugurated the week-long festival and fair at Krishnamala Mancha in presence of other dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, Bhowmik said, “The centuries-old traditional Kharchi festival plays an important role in strengthening the bond of tribal and non-tribal people of state. The entire Puran Haveli has now been converted into a Tourism spot following the Kharchi festival.”
“The state government has planned to set up a ‘tourism circuit’ covering all the temples of royal regime,” he said. The inaugural programme was presided over by Deputy Speaker of Assembly Pabitra Kar. AMC Mayor Dr.Prafullajit Sinha shared the dais as guest of honour.
A large number of police and TSR personnel, Scout and Guides, volunteers and policemen in plain clothes were deployed to prevent any untoward incidences and provide assistance to devotees. Besides, CCTVs and watch towers have been installed at various points.
This year, as many as 1500 stalls and an exhibition stall displaying state government’s development activities have been opened in the fair.
