AGARTALA: According to officials, the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi will feature only the Tripura tableau this year, as opposed to the other eight north-eastern states.
According to a senior official from the Tripura government, the theme of the Tripura tableau this year will be the cultural diversity of India, and a total of 26 tableaus will be on display. “The Tripura tableau will feature the traditional ‘Kharchi Puja’ and its rituals, which are associated with the worship of 14 deities and their significance, in accordance with the theme,” the official stated.
In the former capital of the princely state, Puran Habeli, which is now Khayerpur, 8 km north of Agartala, the century-old 14 Hindu deities were simultaneously venerated in the “Kharchi Puja” from June to July.
The colourful ‘Kharchi Puja’ is an annual event that is celebrated with traditional fervor and rituals, and thousands of individuals from various regions of the country and neighboring Bangladesh participate.
The purpose of the annual ‘Kharchi Puja’ and festival is to atone for the crimes of mortal souls.
The Puja, which was originally a Hindu tribal festival, is now observed by all communities and religions. The festival showcases 14 deities, including Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi (God of water), Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev, and Himadri (Himalaya), through the chanting of “mantras” amid drum beats, illumination, religious rituals, and colorful marquees.
The Tripura police music ensemble accompanied a colorful procession to commence the week-long festival in June-July, as is customary. The Chief Royal Priest, Raj Chantaia, was presented with a cordon of honor by Tripura Police personnel, who also escorted all deities and priests.
The proposed tableau has prioritized three primary components, as per the official. Initially, it is a fusion of modernity and tradition, representing progress. The tableau will feature bamboo designs and frames, the application of technology, and models in traditional attire.
Subsequently, bamboo and cane craftsmanship will be employed to exhibit fourteen deities. Thirdly, the tableau would include a cultural presentation and the veneration of Ha-Buma (earth mother).
Furthermore, a modern artistic expression would be incorporated into the aesthetic presentation of bamboo and flower-made designs. Additionally, the cleric would be observed in traditional attire conducting rituals. Simultaneously, the tableau would embody the ancient spirituality of Tripura. The official stated that the Republic Day parade would serve as a platform for the central and state administrations to showcase their cultural traditions through a total of 26 tableaus. (IANS)
