It important that we must remember our culture and past history in order to live properly. The state government and Information & Cultural Affairs department are working to preserve culture, said Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha after inaugurating the 9-day cultural festival on the occasion of traditional Rath Yatra Utsav at Jagannath Bari Open Stage at Melaghar in Tripura on Thursday (June 30).
He said, the word ‘Jagannath’ stands for ‘Lord of the World’. Shri Shri Jagannath, Shri Krishna and Lord Ram all of them prevail in this festival. It is said that, at this time, God became one with man. Therefore, love can be felt between God and man in the Rath Yatra festival. Rath Yatra festival in Melaghar holds traditional significance.
The Chief Minister said, the Jagannath Mandir has a long history since the royal days. The fair is a place where people meet. This kind of fair must be kept alive through such festival.
Although, it was not possible to organize the festival in past two years due to Covid-19 situation. After these two years, people have once again come to the festival which is a matter of great delight.
He said, Rath Yatra is also celebrated in Agartala, Dharmanagar and Udaipur besides Melaghar. Apart from that, Rath Yatra is also celebrated in Puri, West Bengal and in different parts of the world.
He expressed his gratitude to the locals and hoped for everyone’s cooperation in successful conduction of the fair. The Chief Minister offered prayers in Jagannath Mandir and had also visited the under-construction temple. He also interacted with the locals there.
The Chief Minister had inaugurated the 9-day cultural festival on the eve of Rath Yatra festival. The locals gathered at the festival premises have heartily welcomes the Chief Minister. Sabhadhipati of Sepahijala Zilla Parishad Supriya Das Datta and social worker Kishore Burman also spoke on the occasion. The programme was presided over by Chairperson of Melaghar Municipal Council Anamika Ghosh Pal Roy.
Welcome speech was delivered by Sepahijala DM Vishwashree B.. Other dignitaries present were social worker Debabrata Bhattacharya and Secretary of Jagannath Seva Kendra Jayanta Saha. The programme is being organized by Melaghar Municipal Council and Information & Cultural Affairs department.
