Agartala, July 22: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday described the centuries-old Kharchi Puja as a shining symbol of devotion, faith, harmony and unity, saying the festival reflects Tripura's rich cultural heritage and the spirit of "unity in diversity." 

The seven-day Kharchi Puja and fair commenced on Wednesday at the sacred Chaturdash Devata Temple in Khayerpur, drawing devotees from across communities to one of Tripura's oldest and most revered festivals. 

Inaugurating the annual festival and fair, the Chief Minister said Tripura is a land of rich traditions and culture, and the state government is working relentlessly to showcase the state's heritage, culture and tourism potential on the global stage in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. 

"The Kharchi festival is deeply connected with Tripura's history and culture. It is not merely a religious celebration but a vibrant symbol of communal harmony, unity and peaceful coexistence," Saha said. 

He noted that the festival, which continues until July 28 at the Chaturdasha Devata Temple premises in Old Agartala, is one of the finest examples of the state's composite culture where people from all religions, communities and linguistic backgrounds participate together. 

Highlighting the arrangements made for pilgrims, the Chief Minister said the government has ensured facilities such as drinking water, healthcare services, transportation and cultural programmes throughout the festival. He added that infrastructure development in the area is also being undertaken in phases to promote religious tourism. 

Saha said the cultural programmes organised during the week-long festival would help introduce Tripura's rich folk traditions to the younger generation.  

He observed that the festival has now gained international recognition through the participation of people from different sections of society and has become an important driver of the state's tourism sector. 

Referring to the Centre's efforts in preserving India's cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed special emphasis on the conservation and development of the country's spiritual and historical sites. 

He cited the redevelopment of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam as examples, adding that similar initiatives are being implemented in Tripura.  

He said the Tripureswari Temple at Udaipur has been redeveloped and inaugurated by the Prime Minister, while infrastructure development is underway at the Kasbeswari Temple in Kamalasagar and the Chaturdasha Devata Temple. Construction of replicas of the 51 Shakti Peethas at Udaipur is also in progress. 

Dr. Saha expressed confidence that these projects would significantly strengthen Tripura's position as a major destination for religious tourism. 

Wishing success to the week-long Kharchi festival and fair, the Chief Minister prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of the people of the state. He also called upon citizens to continue extending their support in Tripura's journey towards development and prosperity. 

Chairman of the Kharchi Festival and Fair Committee and MLA Ratan Chakraborty delivered the welcome address.  

He said all necessary arrangements had been made for the convenience of devotees visiting the fair. He also announced that this year's theme is "One Tree in Mother's Name", urging people to plant at least one sapling in honour of their mothers. The fair committee will distribute 1,000 saplings free of cost every day during the festival. 

Among those present at the inaugural function were Agartala Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Swapna Debbarma and Old Agartala Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Jharna Rani Das. 

The event was also attended by Information and Cultural Affairs Secretary Kiran Gitte, Tripura Tourism Development Corporation Secretary Uttam Kumar Chakma, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, West Tripura District Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak, Jirania Sub-Divisional Magistrate Animesh Dhar and noted social worker Rajesh Bhowmik. 

Following the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated exhibition stalls set up by various government departments as part of the festival.