Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday inaugurated the reconstructed Sarbajanin Sri Sri Durga Temple at Tamarhat in Dhubri district in Assam, which has a history spanning over a century.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that the Durga Temple at Tamarhat is not merely a place of worship but a century old symbol of heritage, harmony and spirituality for the entire region. Referring to the fact that the historic puja at Tamarhat began in 1919, the year of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre, he said that the puja initially began under a thatched structure and was later transformed into a temple with wooden pillars and tin roofing through the efforts of the local people.
The Chief Minister said that since its inception, the Durga Temple at Tamarhat has served as an important centre of social harmony and communal amity. He said that the puja at Tamarhat has also played an important role in the cultural awakening of the wider region. Since the 1970s, various cultural programmes such as Jatra, Kushan Gaan, Kabi Gaan, Aarti competitions and tribal dances have been organized on the occasion of the puja. He noted that the Tamarhat Dramatic Amateurs Party, a Jatra group, earned considerable reputation across the region and made a significant contribution to its cultural life.
Sarma said that for more than a century, this sacred place of worship has stood as an exceptional example of peace, brotherhood and harmony by rising above barriers of caste, religion, community and language. He said this serves as an inspiring example for the entire State. The Chief Minister said that he felt fortunate to inaugurate the reconstructed temple in fulfilment of the commitment he had made in 2021.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that a commercial complex would be constructed for traders who had to relocate their shops from the frontage of the temple premises to facilitate its redevelopment. He also announced the construction of a bridge over the Gangadhar River to improve connectivity for the people of Tamarhat and the upgradation of the Tamarhat Health Centre.
Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ashok Singhal, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ashwini Ray Sarkar, BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary and several other dignitaries were also present.
During his visit to Dhubri district, Sarma also reviewed the progress of renovation and restoration works of Hawakhana of the Gauripur Royal Family at Gauripur.
