Ker Puja 2023 Date, Time, History, and Rituals
Ker Puja is a significant Hindu religious festival and a state holiday in the northeast Indian state of Tripura. During this period, the guardian god, Ker, is worshipped. The celebration lasts two weeks and begins at the conclusion of the Kharchi Puja. The Ker Puja is dedicated to the principal guardian deity of the Vastu Devatha, whereas the Kharchi Puja is dedicated to the 14 deities comprising the dynastic deity.
Ker Puja Date 2023
Tuesday, 11 July 2023
Rituals of Ker Puja
During the Puja, the entrances to Agartala, the capital of Tripura, are closed to safeguard the area. The inhabitants are limited in numerous ways. They are prohibited from dancing, wearing shoes, and even starting fires. Those who violate these regulations are fined, and the Puja is restarted.
During this period, the elderly, pregnant women, and the sick are relocated to nearby villages. This is done to prevent any potential disasters. On the morning of Ker Puja, the ceremony begins with a deafening bang that signifies the beginning of Ker Puja. People are discouraged from making loud sounds during this time.
History of Ker Puja
In the two weeks since the beginning of Kharchi Puja, fourteen distinct deities have been venerated. At the conclusion of this procedure, it is time to honour Ker, the guardian deity of Tripura’s Vastu Devata dynasty.
In order to establish a protected area during Ker Puja, the entrances to Agartala, the capital of Tripura, are closed. People are prohibited from lighting flames, dancing, singing, and even wearing shoes. Anyone who violates these rules must pay a fine, and the puja must begin again.
To ensure that nothing negative occurs within the protected area, pregnant women, the elderly, and the ailing and frail are relocated to neighbouring villages. On the morning of Ker Puja, a loud bang signifies the beginning of the ceremonial portion of the festival, during which shouting and weeping are discouraged.