Tripura, 21 Oct 2025: In a display of devotion and celebration marking the triumph of good over evil, the annual Diwali Festival and Fair commenced this year as usual at the premises of the Mata Tripurasundari Temple in Udaipur. Thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad eagerly await this sacred occasion each year.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated the three-day-long Diwali Festival and Fair at the temple premises on Monday evening. He first participated in the Kalyan Arati at Kalyan Sagar, praying to Goddess Tripurasundari for the well-being of the people of the state. Later, he formally inaugurated the festival and fair by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the Dhanyamanikya open stage adjacent to the temple.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that the state government is giving top priority to the development of religious tourism in Tripura. He noted that under the PRASAD scheme, the Mata Tripurasundari Temple has been modernized and beautified to attract more visitors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped temple complex on September 22 this year, and since then, the number of pilgrims has been steadily increasing.
Dr. Saha emphasized that peace and stability in the state have encouraged both domestic and international tourists to visit the holy shrine of Mata Tripurasundari. He added that the government is constantly working for the welfare of the people and for improving their socio-economic standards. Describing the Diwali Festival as a confluence of all communities and ethnic groups, the Chief Minister said it symbolizes unity and harmony.
He also informed that replicas of all 51 Shakti Peethas are being installed at Bondowar near Udaipur, along with a grand statue of Lord Nataraj. The Bondowar site, he said, will soon become a world-class international tourist destination.
Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, who attended as the special guest, said that the Diwali Festival and Fair serve as a spiritual and cultural confluence for people of all faiths. Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the ongoing development of modern infrastructure at all religious and tourist sites across the state.
Among those present were Gomati Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Debal Deb Roy, MLA Jitendra Majumder, Udaipur Municipal Council Chairperson Sheetal Chandra Majumder, Zilla Parishad Vice-Chairman Sujan Kumar Sen, Matabari Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Shilpi Das, and Superintendent of Police (Gomati) Dr. Kiran Kumar K., among others.
Matabari Festival and Fair Committee Chairman and MLA Abhishek Deb Roy, in his vote of thanks, urged devotees and visitors to celebrate the festival peacefully. He mentioned that the temple rituals and cultural programs are being broadcast live across the state through LED screens installed at various locations.
Earlier, Gomati District Magistrate Rinku Lathher delivered the welcome address. After the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries inaugurated the government exhibition stalls at the fair.
