Agartala, July 19: Ker Puja is performed with the aim of bringing people from all sections of the state together and eradicating diseases. One of the key objectives of this puja is to promote goodwill and maintain the spirit of brotherhood, said Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha.
Dr. Saha said this while participating in the traditional Ker Puja, organized according to age-old rituals at the Ujjayanta Palace premises in Agartala today.
Addressing the media, Dr. Saha said, “On the occasion of the traditional Ker Puja, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all the people of Tripura. We all know that Ker Puja is held here 14 days after the Kharchi Puja observed at Chaturdash Devata Temple. This traditional puja began during the reign of Maharaja Trilochan.”
He added that the puja is still performed in accordance with customs, and while it is currently held in front of the palace, earlier, the entire palace compound used to be included within the Ker boundary. On this occasion, a symbolic bamboo structure is worshipped.
“The Chantai (priests), who worship the fourteen deities at the Chaturdas Devta Temple, have come here to perform the rituals. We have received their blessings,” Dr. Saha said.
The Chief Minister further stated that one of the objectives of Ker Puja is to foster unity among people to ward off diseases.
“This puja is conducted for the development and overall well-being of the state. It is performed according to tradition to prevent evil forces from causing harm and to stop the spread of epidemics. Ker Puja aims to nurture a sense of brotherhood among us. Apart from being observed in front of the Ujjayanta Palace, many people from the Tripuri, Reang, and other tribal communities also perform this puja in their respective villages,” he added.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also extended his good wishes to the people of the state.
He was accompanied by Finance Minister Pranajit Singh Roy, MP(RS) Rajib Bhattacharjee,West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, and other officials and dignitaries.
