Agartala, Sept 24: A group of 70 pilgrims from different districts of Tripura will travel to Gujarat to participate in the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv', organised to mark the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. Two officials will accompany the pilgrims. during the visit.
The pilgrims will leave Agartala for Guwahati on Friday and subsequently travel to Gujarat by a special train along with pilgrims from other northeastern states. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha met the pilgrims participating in the Somnath pilgrimage at his official residence this evening and extended his best wishes to them.
He said the journey is not merely a religious or cultural programme, but also an opportunity to connect more closely with the country's heritage, culture and faith.
The Chief Minister said the Somnath Temple is one of the symbols of India's long cultural heritage and people's enduring faith.
He noted that 2026 marks a special occasion, coinciding with 1,000 years since the first attack on Somnath took place in 1026 and the 75th anniversary of the temple's reconstruction and inauguration in independent India in May 1951.
He recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Union Home Minister, visited Somnath on November 12, 1947, and decided to rebuild the temple. On May 11, 1951, India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, consecrated the reconstructed Somnath Temple.
According to the Chief Minister, the 'Somnath Swabhiman' programme has been organised on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark the 75th anniversary of the temple's reconstruction.
He said the Prime Minister's vision of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' emphasises preserving the country's heritage, culture and faith alongside development. Dr. Saha said awareness about the historical significance of the Somnath Temple has increased considerably in recent years. He also highlighted its importance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the first among them.
Speaking about Tripura's participation, the Chief Minister said pilgrims from different states are taking part in the programme and Tripura would also be part of this cultural gathering. Hence, a delegation of pilgrims from different districts of the state had been sent to Gujarat. He urged the pilgrims to showcase Tripura's rich cultural heritage and tourist destinations during the visit.
He specifically mentioned the Tripureswari Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, along with Unakoti, the Chaturdasha Devata Temple and Kasba Kasbeshwari Temple. He also asked them to inform pilgrims from other states about the state's development initiatives.
The Chief Minister said various initiatives are being undertaken in Tripura with the concept of 'cultural nationalism' in mind.
The Somnath visit, he said, would provide an opportunity for cultural exchange between pilgrims from Tripura and people from different parts of the country.
The state government has made arrangements for the pilgrims' travel, accommodation, food and other requirements. The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of their safety and health during the journey.
He directed officials to ensure that necessary medicines and basic medical supplies are carried along for dealing with minor illnesses or health-related issues during the tour. He also instructed that a basic medical kit be arranged.
Director of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs Bimbisar Bhattacharya welcomed everyone and briefed the gathering about the Somnath pilgrimage from Tripura. Vice-Chairman of the State-based Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty was also present.