Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has announced that the renowned Tripura Sundari Temple at Matabari is poised to become one of India’s leading religious destinations. Speaking at the inauguration of the Tripura Sundari Festival 2024 on Wednesday, the CM said that the ongoing development efforts would not only enhance the temple’s prominence but also drive economic growth in the region.
The temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, is a symbol of deep faith for devotees across India and neighboring countries like Bangladesh. Every year, the temple sees an influx of pilgrims, especially during Diwali, marking it as a revered religious hub. Dr. Saha stated that once the renovation project is complete, Matabari will stand as a key religious tourism destination, further uplifting the socio-economic landscape of Udaipur.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the development project, backed by the Central Government’s **PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive)** scheme, has received an allocation of over ₹37 crore. He assured that construction is progressing rapidly and will be completed soon. The project aims to introduce new infrastructure, including modern facilities, which will further boost the local economy through new hotels, shops, and other services.
The festival, organized under the direction of Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and local MLA Abhishek Debroy, features over 100 artists from different regions performing cultural programs, overseen by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs. Dr. Saha praised the festival as a celebration of tradition and devotion, reinforcing the importance of preserving **Sanatan culture**.
Reflecting on the temple’s historic significance, the Chief Minister recalled the foundation stone for the new infrastructure was laid by former President Ram Nath Kovind in 2018. He also expressed his gratitude to the government and citizens for their efforts in making **Tripura Sundari Temple** a hub of religious unity.
Dr. Saha, who also chairs the temple’s trust, reiterated his vision for building a “Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura” (One Tripura, Great Tripura), emphasizing that the blessings of Maa Tripura Sundari will be key in achieving this goal. He urged all stakeholders to work together for the temple’s continued development and extended his best wishes for the upcoming Durga Puja.
Key officials, including MLAs Rampada Jamatia, Jitendra Majumdar, and Gomati Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Debal Debroy, were present during the event, lending their support to the temple’s growth.
