Solan: The Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, accompanied by his wife, Smt. Bindu Gupta, today offered prayers at the ancient Maa Shoolini Peeth Temple in Ganj Bazar as part of the Annual Maa Shoolini Mela-2026. The Governor sought the blessings of Maa Shoolini for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and the entire nation.
Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Social Justice & Empowerment and Sainik Welfare, Col. Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil and MLA Shri Vinod Sultanpuri were also present on the occasion.
Later, the Governor participated in the valedictory function of the three-day Annual Maa Shoolini Mela-2026.
In his message, the Governor said that the sacred blessings of Maa Shoolini have made the fair a vibrant symbol of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, deep-rooted faith, and enduring social harmony. He said that such traditional festival serves as a living celebration of the State’s age-old traditions, folk culture, and shared social values.
The Governor said that Himachal Pradesh is not only renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty but is also revered across the country as Dev Bhoomi—the sacred land of gods and goddesses. Every year, lakhs of devotees from different parts of India visit the State to pay obeisance at its revered Shakti Peeths, ancient temples, and holy shrines. He observed that religious tourism strengthens spiritual values while making a significant contribution to the State’s economy by creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Emphasising the immense potential of pilgrimage tourism, Shri Gupta advocated the development of an integrated religious tourism circuit connecting the major temples and shrines of Himachal Pradesh. Such an initiative, he said, would enable pilgrims from across the country and abroad to visit multiple sacred destinations during a single journey, thereby boosting tourism, generating employment for the youth, and showcasing the State’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage on the global stage.
The Governor also made a special appeal to the younger generation to remain connected with their cultural roots, traditions, and values. He said that a society which takes pride in its heritage builds a stronger and more prosperous future. Stressing the importance of communal harmony and brotherhood, he remarked that unity in diversity remains India’s greatest strength and would continue to serve as the foundation for building a Viksit Himachal and a Viksit Bharat.
The Governor prayed to Maa Shoolini to bless every citizen with happiness, good health, peace, prosperity, and continued progress. He extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the District Administration, the Mela Organising Committee, and the people of Solan for organising yet another successful edition of the Annual Maa Shoolini Mela and expressed confidence that the festival would continue to strengthen the bonds of faith, culture, and social unity for generations to come.
