BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA | 14 NOVEMBER 2026
In a major push for spiritual and heritage tourism in Bihar, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary today inaugurated development works for the ancient Dev Surya Mandir complex in Tarari, Bhojpur district. Launched on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Mahaparva, the Rs. 14.78 crore project aims to transform the historic site into a premier destination for pilgrims and travelers.
The Chief Minister remotely unveiled the project via video conferencing from the ‘Sankalp’ Auditorium at Lok Sevak Awas. Addressing the event on the second day of the festival, he extended warm Chhath greetings to the state and highlighted the deep cultural roots of sun worship in the region.
“Lord Surya is the eternal source of energy, and sun worship has been a centuries-old tradition in Bihar, making Chhath Mahaparva a profound symbol of our folk faith, cultural heritage, and respect for nature,” Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said.
Renowned for housing rare, centuries-old idols, the Dev Surya Temple in Tarari holds immense historical significance. According to the Chief Minister, modernizing the temple complex will not only enhance the visitor experience but also drive higher tourist footfall and generate sustainable employment for the local community.
With thousands of devotees gathering across the state for the festival, the Chief Minister also directed officials to prioritize crowd safety and ensure seamless hospitality arrangements. He concluded his address by appealing to citizens to celebrate Chhath Mahaparva in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
In a major push to bolster spiritual and heritage tourism in Bihar, the state government is accelerating the redevelopment of the ancient Dev Surya Temple in Bhojpur’s Tarari block. Congratulating the Tourism Department on the initiative, the Bihar Chief Minister stated that the project will elevate the shrine’s profile on the religious tourism map while driving local job creation.
Home to centuries-old idols, the Dev Surya Temple draws thousands of pilgrims annually. According to the Chief Minister, the ongoing infrastructure upgrades will significantly improve amenities and accessibility for visitors, making the destination more welcoming for domestic and regional travellers.
The revamp aligns with the state’s broader celebration of Chhath Mahaparva—Bihar’s signature festival dedicated to Lord Surya (Bhaskar), the eternal source of energy. Highlighting how Chhath showcases Bihar’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and reverence for nature, the Chief Minister noted that upgrading spiritual circuits is a top priority for the administration.
To enhance the visitor experience during peak festival seasons, the government is also constructing and renovating multiple riverfront ghats under the Seva Sankalp and Kayakalp Abhiyan. These upgrades are specifically designed to offer seamless facilities for Chhathvratis (fasting devotees) and tourists alike.
Ahead of the festivities, authorities have been directed to maintain strict crowd management, safety protocols, and hospitality standards across all sites. Concluding his address, the Chief Minister urged citizens to celebrate the festival in peace and harmony, praying for Bihar’s sustained growth and its contribution to a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
At the event, Tourism Department Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh welcomed the Chief Minister by presenting him with a green sapling. Mr. Singh then gave a detailed presentation on the ongoing development works at the Surya Mandir complex in Devgram.
Highlighting the new infrastructure, Lokesh Kumar Singh stated that a two-storey (G+1) Mangal Bhavan has been built on the premises. This facility will provide space for weddings and auspicious ceremonies, while also offering lodging and resting areas for visiting pilgrims and tourists.
Additionally, a new Chhath ghat has been constructed to assist devotees during the Chhath festival and enhance the visual appeal of the complex. An upgraded pathway, main gate, and boundary wall have also been built to attract more visitors and devotees to the temple.
Prominent attendees at the event included Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Tourism Department Lokesh Kumar Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh, Tourism Director Udayan Mishra, and Tourism Joint Secretary Pradeep Kumar Singh, alongside other senior officials. Meanwhile, local MPs, MLAs, District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, dignitaries, and residents joined the program via video conferencing.
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