Ker Puja: All about this lesser-known Northeastern tradition
Ker Puja is a Hindu religious festival and a state holiday in the northeastern state of Tripura. During this period, devotees worship Ker, the guardian deity of Vastu Devata. Beginning today, (July 11) Ker Puja will continue for the next three days. It is an occasion of deep cultural and religious importance, with rituals and customs that have been passed down through generations.
Preparations before the puja
During the three-day celebration, the entrances of the capital city, Agartala, are closed. There are restrictions on entertainment, activities, and any kind of ceremonies other than the Ker Puja. The Tripura police mark the beginning and end of the Puja by firing cannons or guns. The ceremony begins with a deafening bang, but people maintain pin-drop silence during the puja.
Rituals
Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those who are unwell are taken to nearby villages to ensure their safety. The head priest, or Chantai, holds the highest authority on this special day. A large price of bamboo curved in the symbolic shape of Ker is curved and swung during the celebration. Animal sacrifices and offerings are made as part of rituals during this lesser-known puja.
Breaking directives means restarting rituals from scratch
The rules and traditions of Ker Puja are very strict and can be challenging to adhere to. People are prohibited from dancing, wearing shoes, and even starting fires. If someone breaks these directives, then the ritual starts afresh at their cost, like a fine. In the case of a birth or death, the family is required to pay a fine.
History behind the puja
After being ruled by 184 kings for 517 years, Tripura was taken over by the government of India on October 15, 1949, through an agreement signed with Kanchan Prabha Devi, the Regent Maharani at that time. As per the agreement, the Tripura government was obligated to carry on the support for temples, pujas, and festivals that were previously organized by the royal family.
Significance of this puja
During the Ker Puja, people express their gratitude and respect to the guardian deity. It is believed that the deity protects them from dangers like natural disasters and hostile forces from the external world. It brings everyone together, encourages devotion, and allows them to express their gratitude as a group, creating a sense of unity and spiritual connection.
