Udaipur (Tripura): Thousands of devotees thronged the 16th century Tripura Sundari temple on Kali Puja and Diwali on Thursday.

The temple, built by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501 AD, is one of the 51 shaktipeeths and legend has it that Sati's right foot fell here during Lord Shiva's tandav nritya.

A two-day mega fair, considered the biggest in the state, is under way near the temple, which attracts visitors from within and outside the state every year.

"More than 2 lakh people gather here every year to offer puja and participate in the fair," MLA and chairman of the Matabari Mela Committee Madhav Saha said.

At least 500 volunteers and security forces have been deployed and 30 CCTV cameras have been installed around the fair complex for security.

"Measures have also been taken for uninterrupted power supply during the fair," Saha said.

Over 1,500 stalls have been set up on the fair ground.

"Ambulances and fire tenders have been pressed into service and the festival committee has set up basic amenities like toilets and restrooms for the devotees," the MLA said.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) started a special train from Silchar in Assam to Udaipur in Tripura on Thursday.

"The special train was announced by the NFR on Wednesday. It left for Udaipur from Silchar at 7.30am and should reach Udaipur in Tripura by 6pm," GRP superintendent of police Jitendra Debbarma said, adding that the schedule would remain the same on Friday.

The train will benefit not just the people of Assam but also devotees from other parts of the state.

"We are happy that a special train has been launched to Udaipur. The Matabari shrine is considered the holiest in the state. The special service would give us an opportunity to attend the fair," a devotee said. PTI