Agartala, July 12: A wave of happiness has gripped the people in Tripura as the state's century-old Kharchi Puja, a festival of tradition and devotion, is all set to commence from Sunday, after a year-long wait.

One of the key festivals of the state, the week-long Kharchi Puja is a symbol of harmony and unity. The festival takes place at Chaturdash Devata Temple at Old Haveli of Khayerpur with great fanfare every year.
The traditional Snan Yatra of 14 Deities and ceremonial guard of honor mark the beginning of the festival, spreading joy and enthusiasm among the people.
The fourteen deities worshipped during this festival are Sibarai (Mahadev), Sangrama (Kali), Hachukma (Bashundhara), Sukundrai (Kartika), Mukundrai (Ganesh), Towabukma (Ganga), Mailukma (Lakshmi), Eritra (Agni), Birritra (Pavan), Kalakatar (Mahakal), Kalari (Yama), Dandaka (Kamadeva), Randaka (Kubera), and Banirak (Ashwinikumar Twins).
The fourteen deities are the ancestral Kula Devta of Tripuri people. There are many mythological stories about the origin of the Kharchi Puja.
Once limited to Royal family, the Kharchi Puja it has now evolved into a significant cultural and spiritual event for the people of all sections. This year, the 264th edition of Kharchi Puja and Mela is being held with the theme 'Green is the Future'.  
Thousands of devotees from across India take part in the festival, continuing the tradition of spiritual connection and communal harmony.
Ahead of the festival, the Chaturdasha Devata Temple has been adorned with vibrant decorations, and the surrounding areas, including the Haveli Park, Museum, and Haveli Lake, are illuminated beautifully. 
Around 800 vendors have set up stalls for the Mela. Security measures, including CCTV cameras and deployment of police, TSR forces, civil defense, scouts, and volunteers, will be put in place to ensure the safety of the people. Additionally, fire safety and health services will also be arranged.
The state government has declared a holiday on the festival's last day for the convenience of the people.