Agartala (Tripura) July 19: Age-old ceremonial festival Ker Puja in Tripura was observed today with customary enthusiasm and spiritual devotion. It is one of the deeply revered traditions with centuries of legacy.
This sacred ritual is held in honour of Ker Devata, the guardian deity associated with Vastu Devata, and is believed to shield the land and its inhabitants from natural calamities, disease outbreaks, agricultural failures, and external threats.
ঐতিহ্যবাহী কের পূজা উপলক্ষে আজ আগরতলার উজ্জয়ন্ত প্রাসাদ সংলগ্ন স্থানে আয়োজিত পূজায় আশীর্বাদ প্রাপ্তির সৌভাগ্য হয়। pic.twitter.com/VSvaRAImjw
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) July 19, 2025
The purpose of Ker Puja goes beyond religious observance – it is also aimed at fostering unity across different communities in the state and promoting public health by warding off diseases in symbolic manner.
Highlighting its significance, Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha remarked that one of the core intentions of Ker Puja is to cultivate harmony and uphold the essence of fraternity among people.
Dr. Saha took part in the ceremonial proceedings held at the Ujjayanta Palace premises in Agartala, where the puja was conducted following ancient customs and rituals.
Extending greetings to the people of Tripura on the occasion, the Chief Minister told reporters, “Ker Puja is traditionally held fourteen days (Two weeks) after the conclusion of Kharchi Puja at the Chaturdash Devata Temple in Old Agartala”.
Dr Saha added, “This ritual has been in practice since the reign of Maharaja Trilochan, and it continues to be observed with great reverence.”
He pointed out that while in modern times the rituals are conducted in front of the palace, historically the entire palace complex fell within the sacred boundary of Ker. A symbolic bamboo structure is set up and worshipped as part of the rites.
“The Chantai, or traditional head priests who serve at the Chaturdash Devata Temple, have come here to conduct the rituals. We are fortunate to receive their blessings on this auspicious day,” Dr. Saha noted.
He reiterated that the festival serves not only as a cultural and spiritual event but also as a means to unite the people in a collective resolve against ailments and misfortunes.
“This ritual is dedicated to the holistic development and prosperity of the state. Through these age-old practices, we seek protection from malevolent forces and pray for relief from epidemics,” the Chief Minister added.
Dr. Saha also mentioned that Ker Puja is widely performed across the state, particularly by indigenous communities such as the Tripuri, Reang, and others in their respective villages, besides its central observance at the palace grounds.
Accompanying the Chief Minister at the event were Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, and other senior officials and dignitaries.
It is noteworthy that since 1949, the Government of Tripura has taken responsibility for financing all traditional festivals, including Ker Puja. This arrangement was formalized through an agreement signed by Regent Queen Kanchan Prabha Devi, marking the continuation of royal customs under state patronage.
