The weeklong traditional Kharchi Puja festival, which commenced on 26 June last at the historic Chaturdasa Devata temple in Old Agartala, concluded on Sunday (July 2).
Despite the rains, a significant turnout of devotees from various parts of the state was witnessed during the weeklong festival.
Attending the valedictory ceremony of the Kharchi Puja festival on Sunday Union Minister of State (MoS) for Social Justice and Empowerment, Pratima Bhoumik highlighted the spirit of bonding between people of different ethnicity, caste and religion.
Among others, State Tribal Welfare Minister Sukla Charan Noatia and MLA Ratan Chakraborty were present in the valedictory programme.
Addressing the gathering, Pratima Bhoumik expressed how the traditional Kharchi Puja festival enriches the state’s art and culture while fostering unity among people of diverse castes, religions, and communities residing in the region.
She pointed out the richness of the religious and cultural practices of Northeastern States including Tripura and said, the Northeastern States can be understood through the geo-culture and not only through the Geo-political setup.
The MoS highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to promote cultural unity not only within the country but also globally, as demonstrated by India hosting the G20 summit, which showcased the art and culture of different nations.
Tribal Welfare Minister Sukla Charan Noatia emphasized that apart from preserving and promoting cultural heritage, the Kharchi Puja festival also provides economic opportunities for people belonging to different communities.
Notably, a colourful fair was held during the weeklong Kharchi Puja in which traders participated with different types of items and food items, both fast food and traditional food.
In addition to cultural festivities, the event recognized and rewarded divyang (specially abled) students for their academic achievements and extended financial support to them. Furthermore, participating exhibition stalls at the festival were honored and acknowledged for their contributions.
The Kharchi Puja festival holds immense significance as a celebration of Tripura’s rich cultural heritage, attracting a diverse range of devotees and participants.
The event not only serves as a platform to showcase traditional customs and rituals but also contributes to the social and economic development of the local communities. The concluding ceremony was marked by a spirit of unity, fostering a sense of pride and harmony among the attendees.