Agartala, July 3: Tripura’s Iconic Kharchi Mela 2025 Commences with a Focus on Sustainability and Cyber SecurityThe Kharchi Mela, one of Tripura’s most revered festivals, has begun with great fervor at Khayerpur. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the week-long celebration, which is expected to draw over 20 lakh visitors. This year’s edition of the festival places a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility and digital safety.
Key Highlights
The festival features a range of activities, including tribal dance performances, traditional cuisine stalls, handicrafts, exhibitions, and devotional processions. A major highlight of this year’s edition is the inauguration of a Plastic Waste Segregation Centre at the mela venue. This facility aims to reduce plastic pollution and promote waste management awareness.
Sustainability Initiatives
The Plastic Waste Segregation Centre is part of the state’s broader green infrastructure initiative. It is expected to generate local employment and serve as a model for similar eco-friendly interventions across Tripura. The centre will help to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices among visitors.
Cyber Security
In a significant development, Tripura’s first Cyber Crime Police Station was inaugurated during the festival. The station is a dedicated facility to tackle the rising challenges of cybercrime, including financial fraud, online abuse, and digital data theft. This move marks a strategic shift in the state’s law enforcement priorities toward securing digital infrastructure.
Cultural Significance
The Kharchi Mela is a celebration of Tripura’s rich and diverse heritage. The festival pays homage to the revered Chaturdasha Devata—the 14 guardian deities of Tripura. It has also gained international attention, with monks and cultural delegates from Nepal and Bhutan joining the celebrations.
Preparations and Security
Authorities have made extensive preparations to ensure public safety and convenience. Medical units, emergency response teams, and comprehensive crowd control mechanisms have been deployed. Surveillance has been intensified, and coordination between multiple departments is underway to manage the large influx of visitors.
Chief Minister’s Address
During the inaugural address, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said, “Kharchi Mela is not just a religious occasion; it reflects the evolving identity of Tripura—rooted in tradition but forward-looking in development.” He emphasized the importance of preserving the state’s cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development.
Conclusion
The Kharchi Mela is a significant event that showcases Tripura’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. This year’s edition promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for visitors, with a focus on sustainability and cyber security. The festival will continue throughout the week, culminating in elaborate rituals and a celebration of Tripura’s diverse heritage.