The week-long Kharchi festival was celebrated with a lot of pomp and gaiety in Tripura recently.
Thousands of tribal and non-tribal devotees assembled in the courtyard of the temple of the Fourteen Gods and offered their prayers.
The pride of Tripura - Kharchi Puja is one of the main festivals of the state.
The festival sent a message of unity and brotherhood among different religions and communities.
"Earlier, the festival was celebrated by the tribal only but now it is being celebrated by everyone. I have been coming here right from my childhood. It is no more a tribal festival, non-tribal in large numbers also participates and it is everyone's festival," Prasanta Banarjee, a devotee.
Kharchi Puja is a worship of fourteen deities celebrated in the month of July.
The word Kharchi is derived from 'Khya' meaning earth.
It is the worship of earth that sustains mankind with all her resources.
As a part of the celebration, the priests lead a procession of devotees to the nearby river to bathe the deities.
"People from various communities participate in this festival and the 14 goddess festival started during the time of Royal rule. Every year people in large numbers come here for blessing of the well being and prosperity of their families. I also come here every year," said Biswaka Debbarma, another devotee.
Kharchi festival is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm to maintain peace and promote brotherhood in Tripura.
