Agartala, July 11:Ker Puja, an age-old celebration, is currently underway in Tripura.
This significant festival takes place two weeks after Kharchi Puja and is held at the Royal Palace in Agartala with financial support from the state government.
Ker, the guardian deity of Vastu Devata in Tripura, has been revered since the reign of the Manikya dynasty.
The deity is worshiped to protect the state from evil spirits and black magic. In the local tribal language, Kokborok, Ker means ‘boundary’ or ‘specified area’.
During the two and a half days of celebration, no one is allowed to venture beyond the boundaries set by the organizers of Ker Puja.
The head priest, known as the ‘chantai’, holds a revered position akin to that of a king during this festive occasion.A large bamboo structure is crafted to represent the image of Ker. It is believed that the former rulers performed this Puja for the welfare of the people of Tripura.
The Ker Puja involves strict adherence to rituals. Offerings and sacrifices are integral to the celebration, with eggs, pigeons, and homemade liquor being presented to the community.
The West Tripura district magistrate has designated the area in and around the Royal Palace as the official location for Ker Puja.
During the royal time, the entire stretch from Puran Habeli, the former capital of Tripura, situated around 12 kilometers east of the present city, used to fall under the purview of the Ker notification. Amusement, recreational activities, and ceremonies were strictly prohibited within these designated areas.
As part of the rituals, Tripura police personnel fire guns at the commencement and conclusion of the Ker Puja.
At local level as Ker Puja is celebrated in various places throughout.
This traditional ceremony was initiated to safeguard the people from diseases, destitution, and external threats.
