Chatra (Jharkhand), February 19 Jharkhand's Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore inaugurated the three-day Itkhori Mahotsav in the Chatra district on Thursday.
Minister Yogendra Prasad, Chatra MP Kalicharan Singh, and MLA Janardan Prasad were among the dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony.
"Itkhori holds historical significance and is considered a convergence point for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain faiths, reflecting the rich cultural and religious diversity of the region," Kishore said.
He stated that the Bhadrakali temple here needs renovation. "I urge the Chatra MP and MLA to use their funds for the renovation of the temple. If required, the Hemant Soren government will also contribute," he said.
The minister said they would urge the Centre to recognize the Itkhori Mahotsav as a national fair.
Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G said that cultural events, adventure sports, and other activities would be organized during the three-day fair.
She said that a cultural evening would be organized every day, in which, along with well-known Bollywood actors, invited artistes from various states of the country would present their colorful performances.
Itkhori, recognized as a mini-temple town, is located approximately 150km from the state capital, Ranchi.
The mahotsav, which began in 2015, was officially recognized as a state fair in 2016.
On February 19 and 20, various water sports activities will be organized for the general public at the Buxa Dam in Itkhori, another official said.
In addition, para-gliding arrangements have been made at Lakshmanpur Bhedi farm dam on the first two days, while a grand Ganga Aarti will be organized on February 21 on the banks of the Mahane River at the Maa Bhadrakali Temple, he added.