The Tripura government will continue to preserve the heritage of the historic Chaturdash Devta Temple while improving infrastructure and visitor facilities to develop it as one of the state’s leading religious tourism destinations, Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Thursday.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while inaugurating the seven-day Kharchi Puja and fair at the Chaturdash Devta Temple in Khayerpur. Describing the centuries-old festival as a symbol of Tripura’s cultural identity and communal harmony, Saha said the government is committed to protecting the temple’s heritage while ensuring better facilities for pilgrims and tourists.
Offering prayers to the fourteen deities worshipped during the festival, Saha wished for the happiness, peace, good health, prosperity and overall well-being of the people of Tripura. He said Kharchi Puja, observed every year on Shukla Ashtami in the month of Ashadh, is traditionally held for the purification of Mother Earth and the attainment of virtue.
“Kharchi Puja is not just a religious festival; it is a shining symbol of Tripura’s history, culture, spiritual consciousness, harmony and unity among the state’s tribal and non-tribal communities,” the Chief Minister said.
Saha noted that the festival began as the annual worship of the fourteen family deities of Tripura’s erstwhile royal family but has gradually evolved into a celebration that welcomes people from all communities, irrespective of caste, religion or social background.
Recalling the festival’s history, he said devotees once had to cross the Howrah River by boat to reach the temple before a bridge was built. Despite the risks and occasional accidents, large numbers of pilgrims continued to visit the shrine every year, reflecting its deep religious significance.
According to the Chief Minister, the week-long festival now attracts visitors from different parts of India as well as from abroad, making it an important occasion for cultural exchange and social interaction. He added that the Kharchi Puja rituals continue to be performed under the leadership of the Chantai, the chief priest, following traditions that have been observed for centuries. The fourteen deities worshipped during the festival are Har, Uma, Hari, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Prithvi, Samudra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev and Himadri.
Highlighting Tripura’s rich cultural diversity, Saha said the festival strengthens the spirit of brotherhood among people belonging to different communities, languages and traditions.
Speaking about tourism, the Chief Minister said the Chaturdash Devta Temple has emerged as one of Tripura’s most important religious tourism centres. He said the Tourism Department has introduced several initiatives to provide modern facilities for pilgrims and visitors while preserving the temple’s historical and cultural character.
“The Tourism Department has taken initiatives to provide modern facilities to tourists and pilgrims while preserving the heritage of the temple. Steps have also been taken to enhance the attraction of this temple for visitors. Thousands of tourists now visit this place every year,” Saha said.
