Agartala, July 19, 2025: In a historic first, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha participated in the centuries-old Ker Puja, one of the state’s most sacred and culturally significant festivals. Held within the royal premises of Rajbari in Agartala, the event marks a rare moment in the state’s history where a sitting Chief Minister took part in this deeply revered tradition.
Dr Saha was joined by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, West District Magistrate Dr Vishal Kumar and other senior officials during the ceremonial observance. The Chief Minister received blessings from the presiding priest and extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Tripura.
“Ker Puja is more than a ritual—it is a profound tradition rooted in our cultural and spiritual consciousness,” said Dr Saha. He highlighted that the festival serves as a spiritual successor to the recently concluded Kharchi Puja, beginning exactly 14 days after its conclusion. The rituals take place in designated protected zones, including Rajbari and Puran Haveli, the former capital of the state.
Historically linked to the royal dynasty of Tripura, Ker Puja is known for its stringent customs and restrictions. According to the chief priest, the rituals commence at midnight and continue uninterrupted for over 30 hours. During this period, births, deaths, and even entertainment are strictly forbidden in the designated areas. Outsiders are not permitted, and pregnant women, the ailing, or terminally ill are relocated outside the sacred perimeter.
The name “Ker,” derived from the Kokborok language, signifies a demarcated and sanctified space of protection. A symbolic deity structure is crafted from green bamboo, and the ceremonial proceedings are led by the head priest—referred to as the *Chantar*—who assumes the role of a symbolic king throughout the observance.
Dr Saha emphasized that while the festival has indigenous origins, its spiritual message resonates across communities. “Ker Puja unites us in prayer and reflection. It’s a collective moment for the well-being and protection of our entire state,” he said.
Beyond the royal precincts, Ker Puja continues to be practiced in various tribal hamlets across Tripura, particularly during the harvest season, maintaining its vital role as both a cultural anchor and spiritual safeguard in the lives of the indigenous people.
This year’s participation by the Chief Minister marked a turning point, bridging traditional beliefs with contemporary governance, and reaffirming the state’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural identity.
