Tripura · July

Kharchi Puja

The seven-day worship of the fourteen deities of the erstwhile Tripura kingdom.

Kharchi Puja rituals at the Chaturdasha Devata temple, Old Agartala, Tripura
Photograph: Hrishikesh1618 · CC0 · source
By Living Roots ExpeditionsReviewed July 2026Northeast India specialists since 2015

Quick facts

Festival
Kharchi Puja
State
Tripura
Place
Old Agartala (Puran Habeli)
Month
July
Tribe
Tripuri (state festival)
Duration
7 days
Best for
HeritagePilgrimagePhotography

01

About Kharchi Puja

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Editorial overview of Kharchi Puja pending fact-check.

02

Festival highlights at a glance

  • Ritual bathing of the fourteen deities (Chaturdasha Devata) in the Saidra river
  • Royal priests (chantai) conducting temple rites in Old Agartala
  • A large mela with folk performances, food stalls and crafts
  • Devotees from across Tripura's tribal and Bengali communities

03

Why visit Kharchi Puja?

  • Tripura's biggest state festival, drawing lakhs of pilgrims
  • A rare surviving royal temple tradition of the former Manikya kingdom
  • Easy access from Agartala with strong festival infrastructure

04

Festival history

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Origins and historical timeline of Kharchi Puja pending fact-check.

05

Dates and venue

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Annual dates and official venue for Kharchi Puja pending verification with Tripura Tourism.

06

Tribe and community

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Tripuri (state festival) community profile pending fact-check.

07

Cultural significance

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Cultural and ritual significance of Kharchi Puja pending review.

08

Main attractions

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Headline attractions list for Kharchi Puja pending verification.

09

How to reach

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Travel routes to Old Agartala (Puran Habeli) pending verification.

10

Permit information

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Current Inner Line Permit / Protected Area Permit requirements for Tripura pending verification against the state tourism portal.

11

Weather and best time to visit

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Typical weather notes for Old Agartala (Puran Habeli) in July pending verification.

12

Accommodation options

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Accommodation guidance for Old Agartala (Puran Habeli) pending verification.

13

Photography tips

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Photography guidance for Kharchi Puja pending review.

14

Nearby attractions

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Nearby attractions near Old Agartala (Puran Habeli) pending verification.

16

Responsible festival etiquette

Kharchi Puja is a living cultural event hosted by the Tripuri (state festival) community. Please attend as a respectful guest, not a spectator.

  • Always ask permission before photographing elders, priests or performers.
  • Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees, especially around ceremonial spaces.
  • Follow instructions from community elders and event organisers.
  • Do not touch ritual objects, altars or sacred poles.
  • Carry your waste back; avoid single-use plastics at venues.
  • Buy directly from local artisans and homestays to support the host community.

17

Frequently asked questions

When is Kharchi Puja held?+

Kharchi Puja is celebrated in July each year at Old Agartala (Puran Habeli), Tripura. It typically runs for 7 days. Exact dates vary annually — check the state tourism board nearer the date.

Which community celebrates Kharchi Puja?+

Kharchi Puja is celebrated by the Tripuri (state festival) community of Tripura.

Do I need a special permit to attend Kharchi Puja?+

Indian nationals visiting Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and parts of Manipur require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Check official state portals before travel.

Where can I stay during Kharchi Puja?+

Options range from state-run tourist lodges to homestays and boutique camps. Accommodation books out months in advance for marquee festivals; reserve early.

Is Kharchi Puja suitable for families?+

Yes — the festival is family-friendly. Be mindful of crowd density on main performance days and dress modestly out of respect for community traditions.

18

Sample itinerary

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A sample 3–5 day itinerary covering arrival, festival days at Old Agartala (Puran Habeli) and one day for nearby sightseeing will be added once routes are walked and verified with local operators.

19

Tour packages

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Curated tour packages for Kharchi Puja will be listed once partnerships with registered Tripura operators are confirmed. Pricing, inclusions and booking contacts are intentionally not generated.

Continue exploring

More festivals of Tripura

Performing traditions

Folk dances of Tripura

See the full Festivals of Tripura guide for the state-wide calendar, expeditions and travel advice.

Festival calendar

Other festivals around this time

Planning a Northeast trip in July? These festivals overlap or sit close to Kharchi Puja on the calendar.

Plan this trip

Travel to Kharchi Puja with us.

Permits, transport, vetted homestays and on-ground guides — write to us and we'll shape an itinerary around Kharchi Puja.

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