Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Nov 6: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced the creation of a Rs 1,000 crore corpus for the renovation of old Hindu temples and monasteries across the state.
The project, named the ‘Tirtha Kshetra Circuit’ or ‘Pilgrimage Circuit’, will be implemented over two years, with the allocated amount being utilised to restore ancient religious structures.
“We will spend Rs 1,000 crore in the next two years to renovate all the old Hindu monasteries and temples. I have named it the ‘Tirtha Kshetra Circuit’. Apart from private places, we will work to renovate the ancient temples that are run by religious institutions and even by the public. Such kind of work had already been done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kedar Dham, Badrinath Dham, Ayodhya Dham, Benaras, and Ujjain Mahakal,” Adhikari said.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a community Kali Puja at Aranghata in Nadia district on Friday afternoon.
The Chief Minister also outlined the state government's preparations for upcoming religious festivals. He said special arrangements had been planned to decorate Chandannagar in Hooghly district and Krishnanagar in Nadia district for the forthcoming Jagaddhatri Puja.
Similarly, Nabadwip and Shantipur in Nadia district, along with Cooch Behar, would be specially decorated for the Ras Purnima festival.
“We have declared this year's Gangasagar Mela an international fair. Preparations have already started for it. I will also go to Chandannagar and Krishnanagar for Jagaddhatri Puja. I will go to Nabadwip on the occasion of Ras Purnima festival and participate in the programme on that auspicious occasion. On that day, I will also participate in religious activities at the abode of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu,” he said.
Adhikari also criticised the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, claiming that Durga idol immersions had earlier faced restrictions and difficulties.
“Earlier, Durga idol immersions often faced problems. This year, there was no restriction or hurdle anywhere,” he said.