By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in
EAST CHAMPAMURA | May 11, 2026
KHAYERPUR: As part of the nationwide commemoration of India’s cultural resurgence, the West Tripura District Level celebration of “SOMNATH – Virasat Ke 75 Saal” was held with great fervor today at the Sri Sri Tripureswari Sevadham in East Champamura. Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Food & Civil Supplies, Shri Sushanta Chowdhury, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, highlighting the deep-rooted spiritual bond between Tripura and the legendary Somnath shrine.
The event marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 consecration of the Somnath Temple by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and celebrates 1,000 years of the temple’s unbroken faith despite historical challenges.
A Convergence of Leadership and Devotion
The program at Khayerpur served as the primary district-level hub for West Tripura, bringing together top administrative officials and local leaders to honor the “Virasat” (heritage) of the nation.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance:
- Shri Sushanta Chowdhury: Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Tripura.
- Shri Biswajit Shil: Hon’ble Sabhadipati, Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad (PTZP).
- Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS: Hon’ble DM & Collector, West Tripura District.
The presence of the Tourism Minister underscored the state’s effort to promote “Spiritual Tourism” by linking local shrines like the Tripureswari Sevadham with national heritage circuits.
“Somnath: The Soul of Bharat”: Minister Sushanta Chowdhury
In his keynote address, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury spoke passionately about the symbolic importance of the Somnath Temple as a beacon of India’s self-respect (Swabhiman).
”Somnath is not just a temple; it is the story of India’s resilience. No matter how many times it was attacked, the faith of the people ensured it rose again, more glorious than before. Under the vision of PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, we are ensuring that the youth of Tripura understand this history. Our heritage is our strength, and today’s celebration at East Champamura is a testament to our shared national identity,” the Minister stated.
District-Level Observance and Cultural Impact
The West Tripura District Administration, led by DM Dr. Vishal Kumar, ensured that the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” reached the grassroots. The program included:
- Vedic Chants & Rituals: Traditional prayers performed at the Sevadham to echo the atmosphere of the Somnath shrine.
- Digital Connectivity: Attendees watched a live telecast of the national celebrations from Gujarat, where the Prime Minister addressed the nation.
- Community Engagement: Local devotees and residents of Khayerpur participated in a Kalash Yatra and devotional singing (Bhajan Sandhya).
A Year-Long National Commemoration
The “Somnath – Virasat Ke 75 Saal” celebration is part of a year-long initiative running from January 2026 to January 2027. Officials at the event noted that such programs are designed to inspire a sense of “cultural nationalism” and to educate the public on the efforts of leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who spearheaded the temple’s modern revival.
The event concluded with a pledge to preserve and promote Tripura’s own rich heritage sites, further strengthening the state’s position on the national cultural map.
