On 11th July 2019, the centuries-old annual Kharchi Puja festival has started with great pomp & show at Puran Agartala in Tripura. The word ‘Kharchi’ is derived from the word Khya which means earth. Kharchi Puja is basically done to worship the earth. Originally a Hindu tribals’ festivity, it is now observed by all communities and religions. The royal fest, which lasts for 7 consecutive days, is meant to cleanse the sins of mortal souls. It involves the worship of the 14 deities – Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi (God of water), Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev and Himadri (Himalaya) – forming the dynasty deity of the Tripuri people.