By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 24, 2026
Agartala, Sept 24 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha met a group of pilgrims from the state who are set to travel to Gujarat to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, and extended his best wishes for their safe, smooth and successful pilgrimage.
A total of 70 pilgrims from different districts of Tripura will participate in the programme, organised to mark the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. Two officials will accompany the group during the visit. The pilgrims are scheduled to leave Agartala for Guwahati on Friday and will subsequently travel to Gujarat by a special train along with pilgrims from other northeastern states.
During his interaction with the pilgrims at his official residence, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said the Somnath pilgrimage was not merely a religious or cultural programme, but also an opportunity to connect with India’s heritage, culture and faith.
The Chief Minister wished all the pilgrims a safe and auspicious journey, saying, “I met the pilgrims participating in today’s Somnath Yatra. I wish all the pilgrims a safe, smooth and auspicious journey. May this sacred pilgrimage be successful and joyful with the blessings of Mahadev.”
Dr. Saha highlighted the historical significance of the Somnath Temple and noted that 2026 marks a special occasion, coinciding with 1,000 years since the first attack on Somnath in 1026 and 75 years since its reconstruction and inauguration in independent India.
He recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited Somnath on November 12, 1947, and took the decision to rebuild the temple. The reconstructed temple was consecrated by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on May 11, 1951.
According to the Chief Minister, the Somnath Swabhiman programme has been organised on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction. He referred to the concept of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi”, emphasising the preservation of heritage, culture and faith alongside development. The Somnath Temple is also recognised as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is traditionally regarded as the first among them.
Dr. Saha said Tripura’s participation in the programme would provide an opportunity for cultural exchange with people from different parts of the country. He urged the pilgrims to showcase Tripura’s cultural heritage and tourist destinations, including the Tripureswari Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, as well as Unakoti, the Chaturdasha Devata Temple and Kasba Kasbeshwari Temple.
He also encouraged the delegation to share information about Tripura’s development initiatives with pilgrims from other states.
The Chief Minister said arrangements had been made for the pilgrims’ travel, accommodation, food and other requirements. He also stressed the importance of their safety and health during the journey and directed officials to ensure medicines, basic medical supplies and a medical kit were carried for minor health-related issues.
Director of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs Bimbisar Bhattacharya welcomed the pilgrims and briefed the gathering about the Somnath pilgrimage from Tripura. Vice-Chairman of the State-based Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty was also present.
The visit is expected to bring together pilgrims from different states and provide Tripura’s delegation an opportunity to participate in a wider cultural gathering centred on the heritage and history of the Somnath Temple. FD SB