AGARTALA, July 19 (TIWN): Traditional Kharchi Puja has begun with Festive temperament at Old Agartala, Khayerpur.

On Thursday evening the deities were taken to bath, in Howrah river. This a customary rule and a part of Kharchi Puja.

The deities are originally tribal and were later adapted into the Hindu fold. All the deities have names in Kok-barok, the tribal language. It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami day in Ashad Month.

Kharchi Puja is a weeklong festival. The rituals are conducted by tribal priests and the main priest is called ‘Chantai.’

Local MLA Ratan Chakraborty led committee chaired by MLA Birendra Debbarma and MLA Sushanta Chowdhury held a preparatory meeting in this regard and the inaugural date was fixed.

 It is also decided that this year the number of the stalls will also be increased. Satlls will be set up by the government department.  With the joint initiatives of the Block and Fair Committee, drinking water tanks will be install to facilitate the devotees.