Chief Minister Raghubar Das has directed to develop Itkhori temple complex in such a way that it gets recognised across the world. He was holding a meeting with the officials concerned at his office in Project Building on Friday to take stock of the ongoing preparations for ‘Itkhori Festival’ to be held in Itkhori block of Chatra from February 19 to 21.

“As Jharkhand has a developed cultural and historical heritage, it needs to be conserved and promoted in a proper way. There are several such historical and archeological remains in 25 km radius of Itkhori, which also needs to be attended and conserved,” said the CM. Adequate steps also need to be taken regarding the construction of a museum for their conservation, added the CM.

Das also stressed on bringing the rich art and culture of Ikhori temples before the world and directed the officials present in the meeting to take steps to develop it as a favourite destination for tourists. According to CM, Itkhori was a union of different sects of Hinduism like Shaivism, Shaktism, as well as Jainism which has also been a centre of devotion for Buddhist pilgrims as well. He also stressed on connecting it with Buddha circuit. Huge number of Buddhist pilgrims could be attracted by connecting it with Bodh Gaya, said Das.

The CM, during the meeting, also directed the officials to make ‘Itkhori Festival’ a grand success promising cooperation from the State Government. Officers of Art, Culture and Youth Affairs as well as Tourism and Public Relations department were told to coordinate with the organisers to make this programme a success. 

To give a positive feeling among the people coming to the place from outstations, the CM directed to conduct extensive cleanliness drive in Itkhori through small committees of local people. Besides, proper arrangement of food and lodging must also be done for the guests who will be coming from different parts of the country, he added.

Chairperson of Itkhori Festival Committee and Chatra MP Sunil Kumar Singh said that several cultural programmers will be performed by artists of nationals and international fame. “Besides, Itkhori Gatha, Shiv Tandav Dance as well as Mahishasur Mardini dance-drama will be played during the festival,” said the MP.

A seminar on the topic of history of Itkhori as well as archeological and religious importance of Itkhori will also be organised during the festival, said Chatra MP. Singh also requested the CM to observe Itkhori festival as a State festival seeking cooperation from the State Government. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Additional Chief Secretary Sajal Chakravarty, Chatra MP Sunil Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary to CM Sajnay Kumar, Tourism Secretary Avinash Kumar as well as Secretary of Public Relations Department M R Meena along with other officials.   

Itkhori is considered to be the second important ‘shakti peeth’ in Jharkhand after Rajrappa. There are three modern temples in a row at Bhadrakali temple complex located in Chatra district of Jharkhand. These three temples are dedicated to Bhadrakali, Punchmukhi Hanuman and lord Shiva. Besides, there is also a modern Yagnashala. These temples are reconstructed over the ruins of an old temple.