Source: IE
Context: Kharchi Puja is a fascinating festival celebrated in the Northeastern state of Tripura in India. Also known as the ‘Festival of 14 Gods,‘ it takes place on the eighth day of the new moon in July or August each year.
- The festival revolves around the worship of Chaturdasa Devata, the ancestral deity of the Tripuri people, and showcases their rich history and traditions.
- The word ‘Kharchi’ is derived from Tripuri words meaning ‘sin’ and ‘cleaning,’ signifying the cleansing of sins.
The significance of Kharchi Puja is linked to the belief that the presiding deity of the land, Tripura Sundari or Mother Goddess, menstruates during the Ambubachi period in June. It is believed that the Earth becomes impure during this time, so puja is performed to ritually clean the Earth and wash away the sins of the people.
