Agartala, July 12: The week-long traditional Kharchi Puja is all set to start at Chaturdash Devata temple of Tripura's Khayerpur from July 17 next.

But, this year, the COVID19 protocols would not allow the organizers to organize the mela that is the centre of attraction for lakhs of people of Tripura.

MLA Ratan Chakraborty announced this after holding a meeting with the officials concerned on Monday.

Chakraborty said, “the centuries-old Kharchi Puja will start from July 17 next followed by the traditions and rituals. But, the organizers have decided not to organize mela to avoid gathering due to Covid pandemic 2.0.”

Briefing the media, Chakraborty said that Bhog facility would not be available for the devotees. The animal sacrifice (only official) would take place in a camouflaged way while the devotees would be allowed to offer Pranam to the deities from a specific distance. He also said that the thermal screening facility would be available in the temple premises.

Meanwhile, the MLA accompanied by the member of the organizing committee visited the Chaturdash Devata temple to take stock of the preparations on Monday.

The Kharchi festival represents worship of 14 deities-- Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi, Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev and Himadri.

As per the tradition, the week-long festival begins with a colourful procession—Snan Yatra of 14 deities in the Howrah river.

Lakhs of devotees from across the country used to join the Kharchi Festival every year. But, this year, the restrictions imposed by the administration following the Corona pandemic 2.0 would not allow the devotees to take part in the festival.