Agartala, July 17: Preparations are in full swing for the seven-day traditional Kharchi Puja and Mela, scheduled to be held from July 22 to July 28 at the historic Chaturdasha Devta Temple premises in Old Agartala.
On Friday, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, accompanied by Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak and other senior officials, visited the mela grounds to inspect the ongoing arrangements.
During the inspection, the officials reviewed security measures, traffic management, sanitation, drinking water facilities, electricity supply, and other public amenities to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for the lakhs of devotees and visitors expected during the festival.
Speaking to reporters, SP Namit Pathak said managing traffic would be one of the biggest challenges this year due to the mela’s location near the National Highway and the bypass. He said a comprehensive security plan has been prepared, with special emphasis on crowd control and traffic regulation.
To strengthen security, Tripura Police and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) will be deployed across the venue. Plain-clothes personnel will also be stationed to prevent pickpocketing and other petty crimes, while CCTV cameras will be installed at multiple locations for real-time surveillance. Anti-sabotage checks will be conducted, and the number of watchtowers will be increased compared to last year. Restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles will also be imposed during the festival to ensure smooth traffic flow.
District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar described Kharchi Puja as one of Tripura’s most significant festivals, celebrated by people from all communities and faiths. He said the administration’s priority is to provide the best possible public services so that devotees, traders, and visitors can participate in the festival without inconvenience.
The District Magistrate added that officials from the Police Department, PWD, TSECL, SDM offices, BDOs, and other departments are working in coordination to ensure seamless arrangements. He also highlighted that the Tourism Department is developing new tourist attractions around the Chaturdasha Devta Temple, while this year’s edition will feature an expanded cultural programme alongside improvements in cleanliness and infrastructure.
The administration has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the Kharchi Puja and Mela is conducted safely, peacefully, and successfully, while preserving the prestige and cultural significance of one of Tripura’s biggest religious festivals.
