Tripura’s annual Diwali festivities began with grandeur at the Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur on Thursday, where Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated a three-day Diwali festival and fair. This significant celebration, held at one of the state’s most revered temples, brought together people from across the state to honor Diwali’s message of light triumphing over darkness and to strengthen the cultural unity among diverse communities.
The Chief Minister opened the event by participating in the Kalyan Aarti at Kalyan Sagar, offering prayers for the welfare and prosperity of the state. Following this, he officially launched the Diwali festival by lighting a ceremonial lamp at the Dhanamanikya Open Stage near the temple, signifying the start of the three-day celebration. The Diwali festival and fair, organized with support from the Mata Bari Festival and Fair Committee, welcomed dignitaries, devotees, and officials, creating an inclusive space where attendees from all religious and social backgrounds could celebrate together.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Saha emphasized his government’s focus on developing religious tourism in Tripura and spoke about the ongoing renovation work at the Udaipur Mata Bari Temple under the Prasad project. “The growing number of devotees visiting Mata Bari is a testament to the peace and stability in our state,” he remarked, noting how both domestic and international tourists now flock to Tripura’s iconic temples, thanks to improved infrastructure and security.
The Chief Minister underscored the spirit of inclusivity that the Diwali festival embodies, bridging cultural and social gaps among communities. “When Tripura prospers, so does our nation,” he stated, expressing hope that events like the Mata Bari Diwali festival would continue fostering unity among people from all castes and tribes.
Former Chief Minister and current Member of Parliament, Biplab Kumar Deb, also attended and spoke at the ceremony, calling the Diwali fair a symbol of inclusivity that celebrates all faiths and communities. Several other dignitaries, including Finance Minister Pranajit Singh Roy, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Gomati Zila Parishad president Debal Debray, and MLA Rampada Jamatia, attended the event, reflecting the importance of the festival to the state’s cultural and religious identity.
MLA Abhishek Debray, Chairman of the Mata Bari Festival and Fair Committee, welcomed the gathering and urged attendees to enjoy the festivities peacefully. To ensure that those unable to attend in person could participate in the celebrations, live broadcasts of temple prayers and cultural performances were displayed on LED screens across the state, broadening accessibility and encouraging public engagement.
During the ceremony, a commemorative souvenir marking the Diwali festival was unveiled, highlighting the significance of the event to the community. Donations poured in for the Tripura Sundari Temple Trust, with MLA Abhishek Debray contributing Rs. 1 lakh, former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura Central University Dr. Arunodaya Saha donating Rs. 6 lakh, social worker Sukanta Saha adding Rs. 50,000, and the Agri Engineering Wings presenting a cheque of Rs. 50,000.
Chief Minister Saha and other officials also inaugurated government exhibition stalls representing various departments, which will remain open throughout the festival. These stalls provide an opportunity for the public to engage with the government’s ongoing initiatives and programs, showcasing Tripura’s development trajectory.
The festival at Mata Bari has once again underscored the unifying power of Diwali, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors to celebrate in the spirit of peace, harmony, and cultural pride.
