Tripura, 14 Jan 2026: Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha on Tuesday called for unity and harmonious coexistence among all communities in Tripura, stating that only by staying together can a “Best Tripura” be built. He was addressing the gathering while inaugurating the two-day Paush Sankranti Fair at Tirthamukh on the banks of the Karbook river.
Describing Tripura as a small state with a rich composite culture, the Chief Minister said the Tirthamukh Paush Sankranti Mela is a matter of pride for the people of the state and carries a deep-rooted tradition. “Every year, thousands of devotees wait for this auspicious day to offer tarpan in memory of their ancestors. In the truest sense, the Paush Sankranti Mela is a confluence of communities and cultures,” he said.
Dr. Saha noted that for believers, Paush Sankranti is one of the most sacred days, marked by the worship of the Sun God. He added that Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India under different names, and the Tirthamukh Paush Sankranti Mela has a very ancient history. On this occasion, pilgrims from neighbouring states also gather at Tirthamukh for holy baths and immersion of ashes.
Emphasising the need to preserve the culture and traditions of all communities in the state, the Chief Minister said the state government is working continuously towards this goal. “When everyone works together, the state progresses. A fair is essentially a meeting ground that strengthens social harmony,” he remarked.
Highlighting the Centre’s initiatives, Dr. Saha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special attention to the development of infrastructure at religious sites across the country to preserve India’s diverse cultural heritage. As part of this effort, the Mata Tripureswari Temple has been renovated, leading to a steady increase in the number of devotees visiting the temple.
He further stated that despite centuries of foreign rule, India’s core culture and traditions could not be destroyed, which he described as the strength of the nation’s heritage. “India is the land of Sanatan culture. The Ram Temple is a symbol of faith and belief for the country. Swami Vivekananda took India’s spiritual and religious philosophy to the global मंच, and the present Prime Minister is working with commitment to protect and strengthen religious institutions,” the Chief Minister said.
Speaking on development, Dr. Saha said that since 2014, special emphasis has been placed on the development of the North Eastern region, and Tripura has also benefited from this focus. He added that particular attention has been given to the welfare of Indigenous communities. Since the present government came to power, honorariums for traditional Indigenous community leaders (samajpaties) have been introduced, with each receiving a monthly allowance of ₹5,000.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that since 2018, seven individuals from Indigenous communities of Tripura have been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award, reflecting recognition of their contributions at the national level.
