Himanta visits Madhupur Satra, proposes Assam-West Bengal religious tourism corridor

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on September 19 visited the historic Sri Sri Madhupur Satra in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district and called for joint efforts by Assam and West Bengal to preserve the site associated with the legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva.

Sarma offered prayers at the satra and held discussions with the Satradhikar and other authorities on the preservation and development of the religious site.

The visit assumes significance as the Assam government has already allocated Rs 35 crore for the development of Madhupur Satra. Reports from West Bengal have also confirmed the Rs 35-crore allocation for infrastructure development at the historic site.

Sarma has said that Assam and West Bengal should work together to protect and preserve Madhupur Satra. He has also sought cooperation from the West Bengal government, including land for expanding the development project.

The Chief Minister highlighted the spiritual and cultural links between Assam and West Bengal through the teachings and legacy of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva.

During the visit, Sarma also proposed inviting a delegation from West Bengal to Batadrava Than in Nagaon, the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva.

The proposed initiative seeks to establish a religious tourism circuit connecting Batadrava Than in Assam with Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar, allowing devotees and researchers to explore important sites associated with Sankardeva's life, philosophy and literary legacy.

The delegation accompanying Sarma included Assam ministers Ashok Singhal and Ashwini Roy Sarkar, along with West Bengal minister Nishith Pramanik, MLAs Sukumar Roy and Ajoy Roy, and other leaders.

The development of Madhupur Satra is expected to focus on infrastructure and preservation while strengthening the cultural connection between the two neighbouring states.