Kharchi is one of the popular festivals of Tripuries. However, given the participation of people transcending community and place it has universal character. It is also said to have been influenced by the Brahmanical Hindus. The festival associated with the indigenous tribal deities is held in June- July at Old Agartala.
Only head-images of fourteen deities are worshipped during the festival. These head-images are identified by various Brahmanical names like, Hara,Uma, Hari, Maa, Bani,Kumar, Ganesh, Brahma, Prithi, Ganga,Abdi,Kamesh and Himadri. These head-images have been accepted as popular deities by the Hindus of Tripura also.
There are many legends about these fourteen deities floating in the state. The ceremonial worship starts a day before the festival. Buffalo, Richha, he-goats eggs, bamboo poles and pipes,umbrella, earthen pot, duck pigion, wooden stick, thread, cotton, turmeric, vermilion, wine, banana leaves and rice are some of the important requirements for the worship.
'Chantai',or the chief priest, chants mantras and his assistant sacrifices the animals. A grand colourful fair held on this occasion continuous for seven days. The uniqueness of the festival lies in the fact that this becomes a symbol of peace, harmony and fraternity as people irrespective of their caste, creed and religion flock to the fair.