Ker Puja is one of the most revered and culturally significant festivals of Tripura, deeply rooted in the ancient tribal traditions of the state. Celebrated shortly after Kharchi Puja, Ker Puja is a unique religious observance that focuses on protection, prosperity, and the welfare of the community. This ritual is not characterized by grandeur or public revelry; rather, it is marked by strict discipline, ritual precision, and spiritual solemnity.
The
term “Ker” refers to a protective deity believed to safeguard the land and its
people. According to Tripuri legend, Ker was regarded as the guardian deity of
the Tripuri royal family and the capital city of Agartala. The origins of the
festival can be traced back to the times of the Manikya dynasty, when the
ruling kings of Tripura performed this sacred puja to ensure the well-being of
the kingdom and to ward off natural calamities, diseases, and external threats.
The tradition has been preserved and is still observed under the patronage of
the royal family, even in modern times.
Ker
Puja typically takes place in the royal temple premises and is conducted under
the guidance of priests from tribal communities, primarily the Tripuri people.
It is unique in the way it imposes a strict set of rules on a designated area,
often a part of Agartala or the temple premises. Once the ritual begins, the
area is sealed off, and people are not allowed to enter or exit. Loud noises,
fire, or any kind of celebration is strictly prohibited. The purpose of this
silence and control is to create a sacred space where the deity Ker can be
honored and where spiritual energy can be focused for the protection of the
land.
The
puja lasts for 24 to 27 hours, during which offerings of animals (like pigeons
and goats), fruits, and local delicacies are made to appease the deity. Special
chants, dances, and rituals are performed by the community priests. The rituals
are seen as acts of collective spiritual purification, removing negative
energies and ensuring peace and harmony.
The
importance of Ker Puja lies in its symbolic and spiritual value. Unlike other
festivals that focus on celebration, Ker Puja emphasizes discipline,
containment, and spiritual reflection. It reaffirms the community’s connection
to its ancestral deities and reinforces tribal values of protection and unity.
The continued observance of this festival, even in the face of modernity, is a
testament to Tripura’s commitment to preserving its indigenous identity and
traditional faith systems.
One
of the unique aspects of Ker Puja is that it is not meant for public viewing or
tourist engagement. Unlike other Indian festivals, it deliberately avoids
spectacle and commercialization. Its closed, sacred nature enhances its authenticity.
Another notable feature is the active role of the royal family, which lends
historical continuity and respect to the tradition. Additionally, the concept
of ritual boundaries—physical and spiritual—is central to the festival, setting
it apart from other regional celebrations.
In
conclusion, Ker Puja is a profound expression of Tripura’s spiritual heritage,
a ceremony that protects, purifies, and unites. It stands as a powerful symbol
of cultural continuity, indigenous faith, and collective well-being. Through
its quiet rituals and disciplined observance, Ker Puja reminds the people of
Tripura of the unseen forces that guide and guard their land—a tradition as old
as the hills, and as sacred as the silence it commands.
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