Agartala, Oct 02, 2024, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

Agartala, Oct 02: Tripura Sundari Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, is set to emerge as one of the major religious tourism spots of India in the future, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said on Wednesday.
After inaugurating Tripura Sundari Festival- 2024 at the Matabari temple complex in Udaipur, he said, once the on-going development project is completed, the temple would become a major religious tourism destination, boosting the local economy and social landscape.
The Chief Minister praised the efforts of Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and local MLA Abhishek Debroy in organizing the festival. He highlighted that over a hundred artists from different regions would perform cultural programmes under the management of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs.
Dr. Saha remarked that the Tripura Sundari Temple is a symbol of faith, not only for the people of Tripura but also for the devotees across India, including visitors from the northeastern states and Bangladesh. 
The temple, especially during Diwali, sees an influx of pilgrims and tourists, establishing it as a revered religious destination. He emphasized that events like this blend devotion with tradition, fostering a sense of unity in preserving Sanatan culture. He also expressed confidence that the participating artists would showcase their talents to a wide audience.
Speaking on the progress of the temple's development, Dr. Saha mentioned that under the PRASAD scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated over Rs. 37 crore for the temple’s renovation. 
The Chief Minister, who is chairman of the temple trust, assured that the construction work is progressing rapidly and would be completed soon. 
Once finished, the temple would significantly contribute to the tourism industry, leading to the development of surrounding areas, including new hotels and shops, which would further enhance the local socio-economic conditions. 
He also recalled that the foundation stone for the temple's new infrastructure was laid by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind on June 7, 2018.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to building "Ek Tripura, Shresta Tripura," stating that the blessings of Maa Tripura Sundari are essential for achieving this goal. He urged everyone to collaborate in this endeavor and extended his best wishes for the upcoming Durga Puja, marking the festival as an important cultural and religious event.
Gomati Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Debal Debroy, Matabari MLA Abhishek Debroy, MLAs- Rampada Jamatia and Jitendra Majumdar, Matabari Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Shilpi Das, and Gomati District Magistrate Tarit Kanti Chakma among others were present in the inaugural ceremony.