Kharchi Puja

An ancient royal and tribal ritual in which fourteen tribal patron deities are cleansed in the river to purify mother earth.

According to regional lore, Mother Earth undergoes her annual menstrual cycle during this monsoon phase, requiring a thorough spiritual washing and a period of cleansing to ensure the ongoing safety and prosperity of the state.

The festival draws hundreds of thousands of tribal and non-tribal devotees who camp in vast tent cities around the temple grounds. The entire area turns into a vibrant fair (Mela). People dress in traditional handwoven Tripuri garments (Rignai and Rikutu), cook traditional fish items, and watch cultural folk performances.

The festival begins with the dramatic 'Snana' (ceremonial bath) where the fourteen metallic heads of the deities are carried by royal priests to the holy Saidra River. After the purificatory bath, they are re-installed in the sanctuary. This is followed by large-scale traditional animal sacrifices (goats and pigeons) led by the 'Chantai' (tribal head priest).

It is believed that the land is spiritually fragile during this period. By strictly adhering to the rituals led by the Chantai, the community ensures that the protective deities will shield Tripura from natural disasters, earthquakes, and political instability.

Once a closely guarded lineage ritual of the Manikya royal dynasty of Tripura, the festival has opened out over the centuries into a state-sponsored public event that draws tribal and mainstream Hindu worship together.

Under a dark, rain-soaked July sky, a wave of deep chanting rolls across the banks of the Saidra River. The fourteen golden and silver heads of the ancient dynastic gods catch the pale morning light as they are dipped into the swirling waters by crimson-clad priests. The air is a thick mix of incense smoke, wet earth, and festive music, capturing a tribal kingdom awakening to honor the spirit of the earth.