The famous Diwali Mela at Tripurasundari Temple at Matabari in Tripura has been extended by a day after Sitrang Cyclone spoiled the first day of two-day Fair. The Fair started on Monday – the day Sitrang struck the State.

Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr Manik Saha, in presence of ICA Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Agri Minister Pranajit Singh Roy, Tribal Welfare Minister Rampada Jamatia and others inaugurated the two-day Matabari Diwali Fair on Monday.

With the advice of Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha the time limit for the fair in Matarbari has been extended till October 26 evening.

Inaugurating the Diwali Mela, Dr Saha said, “Matabari is being renovated under the PRASAD scheme. Newly decorated Matabari would become a major spot for tourists – both domestic and international.

He said, devotees in large numbers from different parts of the State and even from Bangladesh gather at Matabari on the occasion of Diwali.

However, this year, only a few could make it owing Cyclone Sitrang, he lamented.

The Chief Minister suggested the organizers of the Fair to extend the fair for the benefits of the vendors as well as devotees if weather permits.

As the weather improved on Tuesday, Matabari Diwali Mela Committee announced the extension of the fair for one more day.

Traders who deal with several puja items like peda, flowers etc and vendors suffered huge losses due to the bad weather condition.

Tripurasundari Temple at Matabari in Tripura is one of the fifty-one Hindu pithas of India which is recognized as a holy and sacred place.

Devotees, irrespective of caste, creed and religion observe the Diwali festival in the temple with great enthusiasm and take bath in the lake of the temple paying their homage to the goddess “Kali”.

Expectations and enthusiasm were running high this year after Covid restrictions marred the celebrations for two consecutive years – however, Sitrang played the role of a villain.

With an extension of the fair by a day – which was supposed to be ended on Tuesday – devotees and traders heaved a sigh of relief.