By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 29, 2026
Agartala, July 29 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha celebrated the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima by offering prayers at the historic Jagannath Jiu Temple in Agartala and participating in the Guru Purnima celebrations at the Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math. The Chief Minister prayed for the well-being, peace and prosperity of all people and urged citizens, especially the younger generation, to embrace India's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Sharing his experience, Dr. Saha said that he visited the Jagannath Jiu Temple on the auspicious Guru Purnima occasion, offered Mangal Aarti to Lord Jagannath, and prayed for the welfare of everyone. He also spent time participating in devotional kirtan and religious hymns, describing the experience as spiritually fulfilling and deeply satisfying.
Later, addressing the Guru Purnima celebrations at the Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math as the chief guest, the Chief Minister emphasized that mothers and teachers are the greatest guiding forces in a child's life. He said a mother is a child's first teacher, while a guru plays the most significant role in imparting education, wisdom and spiritual guidance.
Dr. Saha described Sanatan Dharma as India's ancient spiritual tradition that promotes morality, discipline, compassion and social harmony without discrimination based on caste, religion or colour. He said that visiting temples and learning about different deities helps individuals develop ethical values, ideals and a sense of responsibility towards society.
Paying tribute to all gurus on the occasion of Guru Purnima, the Chief Minister said that respecting teachers, serving the needy and engaging in charitable activities are essential qualities that reflect humanity. He also urged people to maintain purity of mind and uphold moral principles in their daily lives.
Referring to India's religious heritage, Dr. Saha noted that despite attacks on temples during the Mughal era, the traditions of Sanatan Dharma have remained strong over the centuries. He added that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, several initiatives were undertaken for the renovation and restoration of ancient temples, mosques and churches, helping preserve the country's rich cultural legacy.
The Chief Minister encouraged young people to value indigenous traditions instead of blindly following Western influences and advised children to follow the ideals and teachings of their parents and teachers.
Earlier, Dr. Saha was warmly welcomed by the authorities of Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math. He, along with twelve religious gurus, was felicitated with traditional stoles and flower bouquets. Before the programme, he offered prayers, performed Aarti to Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Radha Madan Mohan Baldev Subhadra Jagannath Jiu, and lit the ceremonial Mangal Pradeep.
The event was also addressed by the Acharya of Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, Param Pujyapada Sri Sri Madabhakti Bichar Vishnu Goswami Maharaj. Among those present were All India Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math President Bhakti Bichar Vishnu Maharaj, Agartala Municipal Corporation Central Zone Chairman Ratna Dutta, Jagannath Bari Math Rakshak Tridandi Swami Bhakti Kamal Vaishnav Maharaj, along with several religious leaders, devotees and social workers. The celebration concluded with prayers for universal peace, harmony and the continued preservation of India's spiritual and cultural traditions. FD SB