Kharchi Mela opens with major green push and cyber policing boost in Tripura

Tripura’s Kharchi Mela, the state's second-largest annual festival, officially began on Thursday at Khayerpur with a strong focus on sustainability and digital security. The week-long event, which attracts over 20 lakh visitors, saw the inauguration of two major initiatives alongside the festival’s religious and cultural activities.

Chief Minister Manik Saha launched the mela amid tight security and widespread preparations. This year’s festival, which honours the 14 deities known as the Chaturdasha Devata, is drawing not just local devotees but also international participants, including monks from Nepal and Bhutan, highlighting its growing regional significance.

In a notable development aligned with the state’s environmental goals, a modern Plastic Waste Segregation Centre was unveiled at the festival grounds. The facility aims to curb plastic pollution in and around the venue, while also offering new opportunities for local employment and public awareness on waste management. Officials describe the initiative as part of a broader strategy to embed eco-friendly infrastructure across both urban and rural Tripura.

Security and public services have been significantly scaled up for the duration of the event, with dedicated medical units, emergency response teams, and enhanced crowd management measures in place.

Adding to the week’s key highlights, the state also witnessed the opening of its first Cyber Crime Police Station on Saturday. The specialised unit is expected to bolster Tripura’s online safety framework and marks a new phase in its policing capabilities, especially in tackling digital threats.

As Khayerpur transforms into a cultural and commercial hotspot, the fair features traditional cuisine, tribal performances, artisan stalls, and public exhibitions. The Kharchi Mela will continue through the week, concluding with elaborate rituals and a showcase of Tripura’s diverse cultural heritage.