Rajasthan (India) boosts Religious Tourism with ambitious plan to develop s

Rajasthan (India) boosts Religious Tourism with ambitious plan to develop sacred cities

19-06-25

The Government of Rajasthan has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to strengthen religious tourism in the state, focusing on infrastructure improvement and the revitalization of iconic temple towns. This initiative aims not only to attract more pilgrims and tourists but also to foster economic development and cultural preservation in the region.

Tourism currently contributes 7.45% to the state's gross value added and accounts for more than 11.35% of total employment. To increase these figures, the government is exploring various tourism models, including eco-tourism, rural tourism, adventure tourism, and, most notably, religious tourism. In pursuit of this goal, new policies have been implemented to promote tourism and ensure the holistic development of tourist destinations.

One of the most prominent projects under this initiative is the transformation of Pushkar, a sacred city of great significance, with an estimated investment of ₹200 million. The plan includes the aesthetic enhancement of the ghats, solutions to drainage issues, the creation of parking facilities, and the development of a spiritual corridor inspired by the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain. This project seeks not only to address infrastructure challenges but also to enrich the visitor experience and preserve the city’s spiritual essence.

Furthermore, the state government is collaborating with the central government to develop Pushkar following the model of temple towns such as Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya. This partnership aims to improve the quality of life for local residents while positioning Pushkar as a nationally renowned pilgrimage destination.

In Jaisalmer, the 1,200-year-old Tanot Mata Temple has received special attention. The temple is revered for its legendary role in protecting the region during military conflicts, particularly the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. The government has stressed the urgent need for the temple’s development and the enhancement of facilities for devotees.

Other sacred sites are also being revitalized. The Mehandipur Balaji Temple in Dausa, known for its healing rituals, and the Charbhuja Nath Temple in Bundi, famous for festivals like Phagotsav, are undergoing infrastructure improvements to attract more pilgrims.

The government is also encouraging the participation of senior citizens in pilgrimages. It has announced that 36,000 elderly individuals will have the opportunity to visit sacred destinations such as Ayodhya, Rameshwaram, Jagannathpuri, Amritsar, Vaishnodevi, Gangasagar, Tirupati, Kamakhya, and Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, via train and air travel.

On the cultural front, a heritage panorama dedicated to Jasnath Ji is being constructed in Katariyasar. The project aims to preserve and promote the heritage associated with the temple and its founder. It will serve as a cultural landmark, providing insights into the life and teachings of Jasnath Ji while enhancing the temple’s role as a site of tourism and pilgrimage.

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