Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated development works worth Rs 14.78 crore at the ancient Deo Surya Temple in Tarari, Bhojpur district, through video conferencing on Saturday, coinciding with the Chhath festival. The project aims to improve facilities for devotees and visitors while strengthening the temple’s appeal as a religious tourism destination.
The inauguration took place through a remote link from the Sankalp auditorium at the Lok Sevak residence in Patna. The temple is an important centre of religious faith, with ancient idols and a long-standing tradition of Sun worship.
Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister said the development of the temple complex would attract more religious tourists and create employment opportunities for local residents. He added that the improved facilities would make visits more convenient for devotees and enhance the importance of the site.
Chhath Reflects Bihar’s Cultural Heritage
Referring to the Chhath festival, Samrat Choudhary said Bihar had a centuries-old tradition of worshipping the Sun God. He described the Sun as an eternal source of energy that sustains life and said Chhath represents the state’s deep religious faith, cultural heritage and respect for nature.
The Chief Minister extended Chhath greetings to the people of Bihar and said the state government was committed to developing religious and cultural sites while improving facilities for devotees.
He also referred to the government’s Seva Sankalp Evam Kayakalp Abhiyan, under which various ghats are being constructed and upgraded to provide better arrangements for Chhath devotees.
Mangal Bhawan, Chhath Ghat And Other Facilities Developed
Tourism Department Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh presented details of the development work at the temple complex during the programme.
The major facilities developed include:
- Mangal Bhawan: A ground-plus-one-storey building to support weddings and other auspicious ceremonies, as well as provide accommodation and resting facilities for devotees and tourists.
- Chhath ghat: A dedicated facility to help devotees perform Chhath rituals.
- Boundary wall: Construction of a boundary wall around the temple complex.
- Pathways: Improved pathways for visitors to move around the premises.
- Main entrance gate: An attractively designed entrance to enhance the appearance of the temple complex.
The new infrastructure is expected to improve visitor convenience and make the temple premises more organised and accessible.
CM Directs Officials To Ensure Chhath Safety
During his address, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the safety of devotees and maintain all necessary arrangements throughout the Chhath festival. He stressed that facilities and security measures should operate smoothly so that people can observe the festival without inconvenience.
He appealed to residents to celebrate Chhath with devotion, peace and harmony. He also prayed for Bihar’s continued progress and prosperity.
Deputy CM And Tourism Officials Attend Programme
Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta attended the programme along with senior officials.
Other officials present included Chief Minister’s Secretary and Tourism Department Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, Chief Minister’s Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, Tourism Department Director Udayan Mishra and Joint Secretary Pradeep Kumar Singh.
Members of Parliament, MLAs, the district magistrate, the superintendent of police, other officials and local representatives joined the programme through video conferencing.
The Rs 14.78 crore project is expected to strengthen the temple’s religious tourism potential while providing improved infrastructure for devotees and creating opportunities for local economic activity.
