The 265th edition of Tripura’s historic Kharchi Puja and Fair will begin on July 22 at Old Agartala with the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.” Fair Committee Chairman and MLA Ratan Chakraborty announced the details during a press conference on Sunday. The week-long festival will feature environmental initiatives, including the daily distribution of 1,000 saplings, alongside religious and cultural celebrations. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha will inaugurate the fair, while Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury will attend the opening ceremony. Organisers are also making extensive preparations to welcome thousands of devotees and tourists.
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Key Facts
- Festival: 265th Kharchi Puja and Fair
- Location: Old Agartala, Tripura
- Start Date: July 22
- Theme: “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”
- Announced By: Fair Committee Chairman and MLA Ratan Chakraborty
- Chief Guest: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha
- Special Initiative: Distribution of 1,000 saplings every day
- Stall Allotment: Lottery system for transparency
Kharchi Puja to Begin on July 22
The 265th edition of Tripura’s traditional Kharchi Puja and Fair will commence on July 22. Fair Committee Chairman and local MLA Ratan Chakraborty announced the schedule during a press conference held at the Old Agartala Block Development Office on Sunday.
This year, the festival will revolve around the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.” The initiative aims to promote environmental conservation while celebrating one of Tripura’s most important religious and cultural festivals.
Festival Has Grown Beyond Its Historical Roots
Addressing the media, Ratan Chakraborty said Kharchi Puja was once observed as a royal ritual. However, over the years, it became closely associated with the state’s tribal communities. Today, he said, the festival has evolved into a celebration that welcomes people from every community.
According to him, devotees, pilgrims, and tourists from different parts of India and abroad visit Tripura every year to witness the celebrations. Therefore, organisers expect another large turnout during this year’s festival.
CM Manik Saha to Inaugurate the Fair
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha will inaugurate the Kharchi Fair on July 22.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury will also attend the opening ceremony. Organisers expect the presence of senior government officials, religious leaders, and thousands of visitors during the inaugural programme.
Environmental Theme Takes Centre Stage
One of the major highlights of this year’s fair is the environmental campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.”
As part of the initiative, organisers will distribute 1,000 saplings every day throughout the fair. Moreover, the campaign aims to encourage visitors to plant trees and contribute to environmental conservation.
Lottery System for Stall Allotment
The fair committee has also introduced a lottery system for allocating commercial stalls.
According to Chakraborty, the new system will ensure transparency and provide equal opportunities to all applicants. In addition, it is expected to eliminate favouritism during the allotment process.
Preparations in Full Swing
Preparations for the festival are already underway across Old Agartala.
Currently, authorities are decorating the historic Chaturdash Devta (Fourteen Gods) Temple. At the same time, workers are repairing approach roads and carrying out cleanliness and beautification drives around the fairground.
Organisers hope these measures will provide a better experience for devotees and tourists visiting the week-long celebration.
Question & Answer
What is Kharchi Puja?
Kharchi Puja is one of Tripura’s most important religious and cultural festivals, celebrated annually at Old Agartala.
When will the 265th Kharchi Puja begin?
The festival will begin on July 22.
What is this year’s theme?
The theme is “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” promoting environmental conservation through tree plantation.
Who will inaugurate the fair?
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha will inaugurate the Kharchi Fair.
How will stalls be allotted this year?
The fair committee will allot commercial stalls through a lottery system to ensure transparency.
Location Context
Old Agartala is home to the historic Chaturdash Devta Temple, where Kharchi Puja is celebrated every year. As one of Northeast India’s oldest religious festivals, the event attracts thousands of devotees, tourists, and pilgrims, making it a major cultural attraction for Tripura.
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