Spiritual tourism is going to play an important role in creating new ways for tourism and economic activities to run throughout the year in Uttarakhand. The state already has a spiritual ecosystem. To further strengthen and develop it in the silver jubilee year, game changer schemes in the form of Haridwar-Rishikesh Ganga Corridor, Ardh Kumbh, Kanwar Mela as well as Sharda Corridor and Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission will be given shape on the ground. The Pushkar Singh Dhami government has expressed special confidence in these schemes in the new budget. Religious tourism including Chardham is a major base of the state’s economy. However, Chardham Yatra is not conducted throughout the year. In view of the journey running throughout the year, winter travel is being encouraged.
PM Modi has suggested spiritual tourism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has suggested spiritual tourism to the state government along with promoting it. The state government has made preparations to expand economic activities by implementing these suggestions. Religious-spiritual tourism is the heritage of this central Himalayan state. Devotees from the country and abroad reach here. The places where there is more movement of devotees will be developed in a systematic manner. This will help in increasing tourism activities along with pilgrimage. In the budget for the financial year 2025-26, the government has given financial support to this action plan. Ganga Corridor Scheme will be given concrete shape to develop cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Amount of Rs 25 crore for Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission
An amount of Rs 168 crore has been arranged in the budget for Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board. Rishikesh is also being developed from the point of view of river rafting, along with Rs 2.64 crore has been given for the Himalayan Museum. With this, information about the spiritual places as well as tourist places of the entire state will be available in detail at one place. An amount of 10 crores has been kept for Sharda Corridor in Kumaon division and 25 crores for Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission. There has been grand arrangement for Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Ardh Kumbh is to be held in the state in 2027
Ardh Kumbh is to be held in the state in the year 2027. The state government is already alert to make arrangements for this. 10 crores have been kept for preliminary preparations in the new budget. Kanwar fair will also be given more importance from the point of view of spiritual tourism. An amount of seven crores has been set aside for this. 100 crores will be spent on the development of Tehri Lake and 10 crores on the development of new tourist places.
