Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on July 23 reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preserving the heritage of the Chaturdash Devta Temple while expanding infrastructure to develop it into one of Tripura’s प्रमुख religious tourism destinations. He made the announcement while inaugurating the seven-day Kharchi Puja and fair at the temple in Khayerpur.
Offering prayers to the fourteen deities, Saha wished for the happiness, peace, good health, prosperity and overall well-being of the people of Tripura. He described the centuries-old Kharchi Puja as a celebration deeply rooted in the state’s history, cultural identity and communal harmony.
The Chief Minister said the festival, observed annually on Shukla Ashtami during the month of Ashadh, is performed to purify Mother Earth and attain spiritual merit. He noted that although the tradition began as the worship of the fourteen family deities of Tripura’s erstwhile royal family, it has grown into a festival celebrated by people from all communities, irrespective of caste or religion.
Recalling the festival’s past, Saha said devotees once had to cross the Howrah River by boat to reach the temple before a bridge was built, with accidents occurring despite the large number of pilgrims attending the annual event. Today, he said, the week-long celebration attracts visitors from across India and abroad, making it an important platform for cultural exchange and social interaction.
He said the rituals are conducted under the leadership of the Chantai, the chief priest, following traditions that have been observed for centuries. The fourteen deities worshipped during Kharchi Puja are Har, Uma, Hari, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Prithvi, Samudra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev and Himadri.
Highlighting Tripura’s cultural diversity, Saha said the festival strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among people of different languages, traditions and communities each year.
The 2026 Kharchi Festival will continue until July 28. This year’s Kharchi Mela has adopted the theme ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ to promote environmental conservation and tree plantation. Around 22 exhibition stalls have been set up, while cultural programmes featuring artistes from different regions will be organised throughout the seven-day event.
Speaking about the temple’s growing significance, Saha said the Chaturdash Devta Temple has emerged as one of Tripura’s leading religious tourism destinations. He said the Tourism Department has introduced modern facilities for pilgrims and tourists while ensuring the preservation of the temple’s heritage. The government has also undertaken measures to enhance the temple’s appeal, with thousands of visitors now arriving every year.
Reiterating the state’s approach of combining development with heritage conservation, the Chief Minister said these initiatives are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural legacy.
