Agartala (Tripura) Jul 20: Ker Puja, one of the most sacred and culturally rich festivals of Tripura, continues to play a vital role in nurturing spiritual discipline, communal harmony, and a deep sense of unity.
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Celebrated with devotion and precision, this ancient tradition blends heritage with public faith, reinforcing the state’s cultural roots while addressing modern-day aspirations for peace and prosperity.
A Festival Rooted in Spiritual Significance
Observed annually two weeks after the Kharchi Puja, Ker Puja is deeply intertwined with the worship of Ker Devata, the guardian deity believed to protect people from calamities, epidemics, and external threats. The word “Ker,” which means “boundary” in the Kokborok language, represents a sacred perimeter marked during the rituals to symbolize divine protection.
The festival traces its origins to the 15th century, with the Manikya dynasty believed to have first introduced the practice. Although written records are limited, the continuity of the tradition through centuries speaks to its deep cultural and religious importance. Even after Tripura’s merger with the Indian Union in 1949, the state’s commitment to its heritage remained intact.
A formal agreement signed by then-Queen Regent Kanchan Prabha Devi ensured the government would continue funding all religious rituals and temples previously under royal patronage.
Sacred Rituals and Social Order
Held in and around the historic Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala, Ker Puja is marked by strict observances and spiritual discipline. A specific area is cordoned off using green bamboo to signify the sacred boundary.
During the rituals, typically performed in the morning hours between 8 AM and 10 AM, access to the designated area is restricted. For the duration of the 2.5-day observance, movement in and out of the city is controlled, and vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, ill, or pregnant women are relocated outside the ritual zone.
Participants follow a set of prohibitions that include refraining from wearing shoes, lighting fires, or engaging in any form of entertainment or public celebrations.
These restrictions serve a larger purpose—creating a solemn environment of reflection, collective prayer, and spiritual connection that transcends individual differences.
Ker Puja 2025: A Historic Milestone
The 2025 celebration of Ker Puja, observed on July 19, marked a moment of historic significance. For the first time, a sitting Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, took part in the rituals at Ujjayanta Palace.
His participation highlighted the evolving relationship between traditional spiritual practices and contemporary governance.
As reported by Enewstime, Ten News, Northeast Today, and ANI, the Chief Minister’s presence at the sacred site not only honored centuries-old customs but also reflected a broader message of cultural continuity and inclusiveness.
Symbol of Brotherhood and Cultural Identity
Ker Puja is not just a religious ceremony—it is a symbol of social cohesion and shared responsibility. By encouraging self-restraint, collective observance, and respect for sacred traditions, the festival fosters a spirit of brotherhood and mutual care among communities.
The sacred boundary of Ker serves as both a literal and metaphorical enclosure—protecting not just physical space but also the moral values that bind the community together.
Its practices, though austere, convey powerful messages of resilience, unity, and reverence for natural and spiritual forces. In a rapidly changing world, Ker Puja stands out as a festival that unites generations, promotes public faith, and reminds people of the enduring strength found in cultural heritage and social solidarity.
Conclusion
Ker Puja continues to be a defining element of Tripura’s cultural and spiritual landscape. Through its time-honored rituals and inclusive ethos, the festival serves as a living expression of unity, peace, and collective wellbeing—values that remain as vital today as they were centuries ago.
