Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Agartala: Chief Minister Manik Saha started a three-day Diwali festival at the Maa Tripura Sundari temple on November 9. The historic shrine sits in Udaipur, Gomati district. Organizers expect eight to 10 lakh devotees to attend the event this year. Built in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, the temple stands as one of the country's 51 Shakti Peeths.
Saha credits the recent rise in visitors to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who finished redeveloping the complex last year. The temple acts as a symbol of faith for the region. During his address, Saha noted, "the three-day Diwali festival had grown into one of the biggest religious events in the Northeast." The massive turnout boosts the local economy by creating jobs for residents living near the temple grounds.
Local MLA Abhishek Debroy announced upcoming infrastructure projects to accommodate the crowds. Plans include a Rs 21-crore renovation of the Kalyan Sagar waterbody and a Rs 21-crore multi-level parking facility. Officials are also eyeing a new corridor to clear up access issues at the shrine. To mark the opening, a team of priests from Kashi held a Ganga Aarti at Kalyan Sagar, followed by a drone show.
Updated at 9th November 2026 at 2:00pm
Saha also pushed the event as a win for communal harmony, noting that folks from various religious backgrounds show up to take part in the celebrations.
Gomati District Magistrate Rinku Lather confirmed the involvement of the Kashi priests and the drone display, rounding out the opening ceremonies.
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