Religious Tourism

Agra: Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian and Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth on Sunday visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.
The Danish royal couple arrived on Monday on a four-day visit to India, starting Sunday, February 26, to March 2. Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi took to his Twitter handle to inform about the arrival of the Denmark's Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Arindam Bagchi noted that the visit of the royal couple will further strengthen and enhance the close and friendly ties between India and Denmark. Bagchi tweeted, "Their Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik &amp; Crown Princess Mary of Denmark arrive in India for a 4-day visit. This is the 1st Royal Visit from Denmark in two decades. Will further strengthen and enhance the close &amp; friendly ties between our countries."
During the visit to India, Denmark Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian will hold a meeting with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Danish Crown Prince will address the opening session of the India-Denmark: Partners for Green &amp; Sustainable Progress organized by CII. He will also meet President Droupadi Murmu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the press release. During the visit, the Danish royal couple will visit Chennai. The royal couple will depart from Chennai on March 2. Denmark's Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Minister for Environment Magnus Heunicke, and Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, along with senior officials and a high-level business delegation, are accompanying the royal couple during their visit to India.
According to MEA, the visit is the first ever from the Danish Royal family in two decades. Earlier, the Crown Prince travelled to India in 2003. Queen Margrethe II visited India in 2003 as a Crown Princess, according to the press release.
The MEA, in its press release, further noted, "India and Denmark as vibrant and open democracies, share common values of a rules-based international order and convergence of views on significant multilateral issues." It added, "The visit is expected to further strengthen and enhance the close and friendly ties between India and Denmark." —ANI

Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian and Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth on Sunday visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.

Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian, Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth Visit Taj Mahal 

New Delhi (The Hawk): As India opens its borders post-pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has been organising a series of virtual roadshows in collaboration with Indian Missions abroad to reconnect with and welcome back partners in the international travel and tourism industry. As much as it is aimed to be an update on Indian tourism, it is also an initiative to rediscover old ties and explore new opportunities for the future.India’s diverse and unique tourism products were at display on 26th&nbsp;July, 2022 with the Italy edition of the Incredible India Reconnect 2022 virtual roadshow. The Incredible India Reconnect 2022 Virtual Roadshow began with opening remarks from Dr.Neena Malhotra, Ambassador of India to Italy. She highlighted the importance of efforts such as this in reigniting the tourism and travel interest between Indian and Italy – given the rich commonalities between history, culture, and civilization. She spoke at length about how Italy and India are fertile grounds for film and cultural tourism to thrive.<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/2WSOZ.jpg">&nbsp;<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/3WNJE.jpg">It was followed by remarks from Mr. G Kamala Vardhana Rao, Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism.&nbsp;The Director General began with recalling the Prime Minister’s slogan ‘Chalo India’ mentioned in his address to Indian diaspora in Denmark. The call for the diaspora was for each of them to invite 5 non – Indian friends to come and visit India. Highlighting the importance of the diaspora, he mentioned the need for enabling members of the Indian diaspora to talk about the diverse tourism offerings of India in their daily places of work and interaction. He also mentioned how India was a tourist destination that offered the most economical and the most luxurious of tourist offerings at each of the 165-170 declared tourist destinations in India. While also highlighting Italian tourist preferences towards India’s traditional culture, heritage, wildlife, and nature, he mentioned how India’s success story in vaccination has allowed for tourism recovery at a faster pace than was predicted by global thought leaders like UNWTO and WTTC He reiterated on the importance of medical and wellness tourism and its popularity in Italy. Dilating on the fact, he mentioned how India was among the only countries in the world having a dedicated Ministry and action plan towards traditional knowledge systems.&nbsp;<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/4SJYM.jpg">Post this, Mr. Antonio Barreca, Director General, Federation of Tourism Industry highlighted that Italian tourists have traditionally been very enthusiastic about Indian culture, the outdoors, the cities, and the general vibrancy and diversity of India. He mentioned about how Italy and India can together compete on quality and excellence, while offering each other technical knowhow allowing opportunities for knowledge transfer.<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/56MDQ.jpg">Ms. Maria Elena ROSSI, Marketing &amp; Promotion Director, ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board, spoke at length about new initiatives being taken by the Board with respect to digitalization and sustainability. Realizing the importance of people and community in this industry, she spoke at length about the need to make people and youth join the tourism and travel industry, she mentioned how India and Italy can get together to join hands and create tourism and travel professionals for the bright future of this industry.<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/6F176.jpg">Mr. Pierpaolo Di Nardo from Maldindia Tour Operators, spoke about his passion for India given it being a destination which changed his life for the better. He mentioned how he was trying to give back to India by spreading knowledge about the rich and diverse destination that is India, through tailor made thematic trips to India exposing tourists to yoga, music, dance, and architecture in India. His experience only reiterated the importance of India being a must-visit experiential transformative destination. Mr. G Kamala Vardhana Rao, Director General (Tourism)in order to learn and delve deeper into Mr. Di Nardo’s experiences, threw light on the point about tourists wanting to experience India in a deep and authentic way. He also mentioned how India was taking forward-thinking steps with respect to rural and homestay tourism to enable the same.This session was followed by insightful presentations from the representatives of ATOAI, IATO, and ICPB who spoke about India’s tourism offerings, the varied geography and tourism products, and it’s edge as a MICE tourism destination.The virtual roadshow was a signal of the continuing efforts of the Ministry of Tourism to encourage bilateral tourism by recognising the issues, challenges, and opportunities between India and its top 20 source markets, sowing seeds for new ideas and relationships for a brighter future for Indian tourism.

As India opens its borders post-pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has been organising a series of virtual roadshows in collaboration with Indian Missions abroad to reconnect with and welcome back partners in the international travel and tourism industry.

Ministry of Tourism displays India’s diverse & unique tourism products at Italy edition of Incredible India Reconnect 2022 virtual roadshow

New Delhi: Pakistan on Tuesday issued 163 visas to Sikh pilgrims for the annual festival scheduled from June 8-17. High Commission for Pakistan took the initiative on the eve of the martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev. Expressing his views on the auspicious occasion, Charge d’Affaires Aftab Hasan Khan, extended his heartfelt felicitations to the pilgrims and wished them a rewarding and fulfilling yatra, read the High Commission for Pakistan press release.The issuance of visas is covered under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974. Every year, a large number of Sikh Yatrees from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals/occasions. The visas issued from New Delhi are in addition to the visas granted to Sikh pilgrims participating in these events from other countries. During the visit, the pilgrims would, inter alia, go to Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. They would enter Pakistan on June 8 and return back to India on June 17, 2022, added the release.—ANI

Pakistan on Tuesday issued 163 visas to Sikh pilgrims for the annual festival scheduled from June 8-17. High Commission for Pakistan took the initiative on the eve of the martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev.

Pak issues 163 visas to Sikh pilgrims for annual festival

Srinagar: The first Hajj 2022 flight carrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia left the Srinagar International Airport on Sunday. The annual Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia re-starts this year after remaining suspended for two years due to the Covid pandemic.The Hajj flight is carrying 145 J&amp;K pilgrims to Madina. The flights will carry a total of 5,737 pilgrims from the union territory to Saudi Arabia and will continue till June 20. Officials at the airport said that on June 12 there would be two daily Hajj flights and from June 13 onwards there will be three daily flights to carry pilgrims from Srinagar to Madina.Senior officials of the J&amp;K government saw the pilgrims off at the airport. R.R. Bhatnagar, advisor to the Lt. Governor, Niteshwar Sharma, principal secretary to the LG and K.K. Pole, divisional commissioner (Kashmir) were present at the airport to see off the pilgrims. Authorities had made arrangements for immigration, foreign exchange, etc., at the Srinagar airport for the pilgrims.—IANS

The first Hajj 2022 flight carrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia left the Srinagar International Airport on Sunday. The annual Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia re-starts this year after remaining suspended for two years due to the Covid pandemic.

First Hajj 2022 Flight With 145 J&K Pilgrims Takes Off From Srinagar

New Delhi (The Hawk): The Minister for Development of North East Region, Tourism and Culture, Shri G. Kishan Reddy addressed the ‘Round Table of Indian Foreign Service officers’, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Invest India. The conference witnessed several dignitaries from the Union government, diplomats, senior officers and investors from different segments. The Minister spoke on the increasing opportunities for investors in the North East Region due to a positive growth-oriented environment established in the region. He also highlighted how improvement in the security situation, better connectivity and unparalleled political will central government’s focus on the region, has ushered in an era of development and growth.The Minister said that the recent Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – NE Festival, celebrated from 28th&nbsp;April to 4 May, helped initiate dialogue on many critical issues and proved to be of immense significance for the policy makers and general public alike. He further added that throughout the discussions, two aspects were found to be fundamental for strengthening the region - the need for greater Public Private Partnership and tapping into inherent potential of the region such as Tourism, organic farming, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, textiles, handicrafts, IT sector,BPO and services industry, were found to be common across.&nbsp;<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001I71U.jpg"> He also remarked that there is considerable demand for NE products and interest of foreign investors in NER but there is lack of awareness and a lot of misconceptions exist.He called on all the IFS officers to leverage their global presence to spread the word and help build brand “North East India as Paradise Unexplored and a Land of Unlimited Opportunities”. He also urged them to become ambassadors of the huge cultural capital and tourism potential of the North East Region.The minister also emphasised the fact that the IFS officers must catalyse the global investment community and industry to turn towards North East India.He said that with collective efforts, India can make the most of the Amrit Kaal, unleash the power of North East and establish it as the growth engine of Atmanirbhar Bharat.Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Invest India, the event was held as part of the Mid-Career Training program for senior IFS officers. The interactive session covered investment promotion and other initiatives of the government towards building brand India.

The Minister for Development of North East Region, Tourism and Culture, Shri G. Kishan Reddy addressed the ‘Round Table of Indian Foreign Service officers’, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Invest India. The conference witnessed several dignitaries from the Union government, diplomats, senior officers and investors from different segments.

  Reddy calls on  IFS officers to leverage their global presence to help build brand 'North East India as Paradise Unexplored'

New Delhi (The Hawk): Ministry of Tourism has initiated establishing ‘YUVA Tourism Clubs’ as&nbsp;part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. The vision of YUVA Tourism Clubs is to nurture and develop young ambassadors of Indian tourism who would become aware of tourism possibilities in India, appreciate our rich cultural heritage and develop an interest and passion for tourism. These young ambassadors would be catalysts for promoting tourism in India. Participation in Tourism Clubs is also expected to facilitate development of soft skills like teamwork, management, leadership besides encouraging adoption of responsible tourism practices and concern for sustainable tourism.Central Board of Secondary Education has come forward to support the initiative of Ministry of Tourism and issued instructions to all CBSE affiliated schools regarding formation of Yuva Tourism Clubs.Speaking on this, Union Tourism Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy said that youth are the best Ambassadors of India and its rich cultural, spiritual and natural heritage. The Yuva Tourism clubs that are being set up in various schools will promote national integration and build on the Prime Minister's vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha&nbsp;Bharat.&nbsp;Shri Reddy further added that students will now be aware of domestic destinations and equipped with the tools to promote the tourism sector. The tourism clubs help children to be more aware about their states and neighborhood along with the cultural aspects. This further builds on the clarion call of Dekho Apna Desh by the Prime Minister.The young members of these clubs would gain exposure to the rich diversity of India, and its civilizational values, it would enhance their sense of belonging towards the nation. On the other hand, as the youth become tourist ambassadors, India will become the favoured tourist destination of the world which will then have a cascading impact on our economy.The Ministry of Tourism has shared a ‘Handbook for Schools for conduct of Tourism Clubs’. The Handbook reiterates the purposes, operational strategies along with specific guidelines and suggestions for conduct of various activities. The proposed sample of activities is suggestive and the teachers and schools are encouraged to incorporate allied activities under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme like excursion, online or e-tourism, pen pals in the paired State/UT, learning the language of the paired State/UT, having exposure to the diversity, natural resources and rich heritage of India.YUVA Tourism Clubs would also enable learners to appreciate the importance of travel and tourism, ignite a passion for tourism and its value in learners, sensitize learners to various elements of travel, encourage, teach and propagate responsible tourism practices, improve physical &amp; mental health through exploratory, adventure and sports tourism and spread awareness about tourism opportunities at an early stage and encourage learners to be skilled professionals and entrepreneurs in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Ministry of Tourism has initiated establishing ‘YUVA Tourism Clubs’ as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. 

Ministry of Tourism initiative of establishing ‘YUVA Tourism Clubs’ gets support from CBSE

Kullu (The Hawk): Sainj area of Kullu district would be developed from tourism point of view under the ‘Nai Rahaen Nai Manjilien’ programme, a combined office building would also be constructed at Sainj and bed capacity in CHC Sainj would be increased to 50 beds to facilitate the people of the area.&nbsp;These announcements were made by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing a largely attended public meeting at Sainj in Banjar Vidhan Sabha area of Kullu district today on the occasion of Sainj Mela after laying foundation stones of Rs. 2.70 crore Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple Sainj and Rs. 2.07 crore WSS Larji Gram Panchyat Kotla under Har Ghar Nal Se Jal scheme. He also performed the opening ceremony of the Block Elementary Education Office at Sainj on the occasion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Minister said that fairs and festivals were the rich repository of the rich cultural diversity of the State. He said that fairs were also a major source of wholesome entertainment particularly in the rural areas. He said that organizing these fairs in a befitting manner not only help in conserving the rich traditions and culture of the State, but also helps in strengthening our roots. He said that one should always feel proud of their culture as only those societies progress that loves its culture.Jai Ram Thakur said that the people of the State during the last over four year have been immensely benefitted by various welfare schemes and developmental programmes of the State and the Centre Governments. He said that the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna, Ayushman Bharat Yojna, Ujjawal Yojna etc. of the Centre Government have benefitted lakhs of people of the State. Similarly, Mukhya Mantri Grihini Suvidha Yojna, Sahara Yojna, HIMCARE, Mukhyamantri Sawablamban Yojna had benefitted almost every household of the State, he added. Chief Minister said that going a step forward, on the occasion of Himachal Day this year, he has announced to provide 50 per cent concession in fare to women in HRTC buses and free power upto 125 units per month to domestic electricity consumers. He said that the State Government has also decided that free water would be provided in rural areas of the State. He said that welfare schemes and initiatives of the present State Government were not going well with the Congress leaders. He said that the State Government also made a record enhancement in the honorarium of various para workers. He said that daily wages of daily wagers have also been enhanced by Rs. 50 per day during the current financial year which was a record in itself.Jai Ram Thakur said that during the corona pandemic the strong leadership provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured that the minimum possible losses were caused to the lives and economy of the country. He said that the nation under the able leadership of Narendra Modi not only developed indigenous vaccine, but also successfully launched free vaccination campaign in the country. He said that the State also got a special assistance of Rs. 800 crore due to benevolence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards people of the State.&nbsp;The Chief Minister announced upgradation of Government Middle School Sinhan to High school, Government High School Kanoun to Senior Secondary School, Government Primary Schools Manihar and Koishudhar to Middle schools.&nbsp;Various social, political and cultural organizations also honoured the Chief Minister on the occasion.&nbsp;MLA Banjar Surender Shourie, while welcoming the Chief Minister and other dignitaries to his home constituency, said that it was the blessings of the deities of the area that the Chief Minister has today laid foundation stones of Rs. 2.70 crore Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple at Sainj. He said that the area has witnessed unparalleled development during the tenure of the present State Government headed by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. He said that Degree College and ITI in the area was possible due to the love and affection of the Chief Minister towards the people of this constituency. He said that the area has immense tourism potential, thus he urged the Chief Minister to develop it from tourism point of view.&nbsp;He also detailed various developmental demands of the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur, District BJP President Bhim Sain Sharma, Senior BJP Leader Brig. Khushal Thakur, Mandal BJP President Baldev Mahant, Deputy Commissioner Kullu Ashutosh Garg, SP Gurdev Sharma, were present on the occasion among others.

Sainj area of Kullu district would be developed from tourism point of view under the ‘Nai Rahaen Nai Manjilien’ programme, a combined office building would also be constructed at Sainj and bed capacity in CHC Sainj would be increased to 50 beds to facilitate the people of the area.

Sainj Area Of Kullu District Would Be Developed From Tourism Point Of View: HP CM

Mathura: The Uttar Pradesh government will develop 14 tourist circuits to promote tourism in the state, a minister said on Friday.One of these 14 tourist circuits would be dedicated to martyrs, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Tourism and Culture Jayveer Singh said.Braj Bhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, would be developed as a new tourist hub displaying its ancient culture, the minister said after inaugurating the four-day Amrit Sangeet Utsav here.The state government will develop new infrastructure and provide a facelift to Mathura with the cooperation of people, he said—PTI

The Uttar Pradesh government will develop 14 tourist circuits to promote tourism in the state, a minister said on Friday.

UP govt will develop 14 tourist circuits: Minister

Dehradun: Ahead of the Char Dham Yatra, which is set to begin on May 3, the Uttarakhand government has fixed the daily limit on the number of pilgrims.As many as 15,000 pilgrims will be allowed daily at Badrinath, 12,000 at Kedarnath, 7,000 at Gangotri and 4,000 at Yamunotri. This arrangement has been made for 45 days.It is not mandatory for the pilgrims to carry a negative test report or COVID-19 vaccination certificate this year.Earlier on Saturday, Chief Secretary SS Sandhu took a meeting of the concerned officers on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to clear the confusion regarding carrying out COVID-19 tests of the travellers and pilgrims coming from outside Uttarakhand.To date, it is not mandatory for passengers and devotees arriving from the state borders to undergo COVID-19 testing, and present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, the official said. However, it is mandatory for all the travellers and devotees to register on the portal operated by the Tourism Department for Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand. —ANI

Ahead of the Char Dham Yatra, which is set to begin on May 3, the Uttarakhand government has fixed the daily limit on the number of pilgrims.

Uttarakhand Govt Fixes Daily Limit For Char Dham Yatra

Uttarakhand Govt Fixes Daily Limit For Char Dham Yatra Pilgrims

Tehri Garhwal: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday inaugurated the Kaddukhal-Siddhpeeth Devi ropeway service and said that the ropeway initiative will be a relief to the devotees and tourists coming for the darshan.After the inauguration, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the Maa Surkanda Devi Temple and wished for the state's happiness and prosperity."The inauguration of this ropeway will be a relief to the devotees and tourists coming for the darshan of Maa Surkanda Devi. They had to walk on foot from here for around 2 hours, they can now go easily. This will also benefit the tourism sector," said Dhami.The Chief Minister said that the ropeway service will also increase the livelihood of the people at the local level and along with religious tourism, adventure tourism is also being promoted in the state."The ropeway project is a major means of pollution-free transport for commuters and tourists. Action is being taken by the state government for the construction of various ropeway projects in the districts under the Parvatmala scheme of the Centre. Various adventure water sports are being conducted in the giant lake spread over 42 square kilometers in the Tehri district. Other activities related to tourism are being planned in this lake," he said.Dhami further said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, development works are being done rapidly in all the areas of the state."In 2025, when we celebrate the silver jubilee of the establishment of the state of Uttarakhand, it will be among the leading states of the country in this area. Lakhs of devotees are expected to visit Chardham Yatra this year. Every effort has been made to ensure that the devotees get every facility in the state," he added.The Chief Minister also directed the District Magistrate Tehri to identify land for the construction of a permanent helipad in this area.Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said "With the start of ropeway service for Maa Surkanda, there will be a rapid increase in the number of devotees. Efforts are being made to provide all possible facilities for the devotees in view of the Chardham Yatra. Religious and adventure tourism is also being promoted in other areas of the state." The length of the ropeway built at a cost of about 5 crores to reach the Surkanda Devi temple is 502 meters. Its capacity is about 500 persons per hour.Surkanda Devi Temple Ropeway Service is the first important ropeway project after the formation of the state of Uttarakhand, which has been constructed by the State Tourism Department. With the start of the Surkanda Devi Ropeway service, devotees will be able to easily have darshan of Mother Surkanda Devi throughout the year in just five to ten minutes from Kaddukhal. —ANI

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday inaugurated the Kaddukhal-Siddhpeeth Devi ropeway service and said that the ropeway initiative will be a relief to the devotees and tourists coming for the darshan.

Uttarakhand: Kaddukhal-Siddhpeeth Devi Ropeway Service To Boost Tourism

New Dehli (TheHawk): The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the inaugural ceremony of year-long joint celebrations of the 90th anniversary of Sivagiri Pilgrimage and Golden Jubilee of Brahma Vidhyalaya today at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. He also launched the logo for year- long joint celebrations. Both Sivagiri Pilgrimage and Brahma Vidhyalaya were started with the blessing and guidance of great social reformer Shri Narayana Guru. Apart from the spiritual leaders of Sivagiri Mutt and devotees, Union Ministers, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Shri V. Muraleedharan were among those present on the occasion.The Prime Minister expressed his happiness on receiving saints in his house. He recalled meeting Sivagiri Mutt saints and devotees over the years and how he always felt energized by the interaction. He recalled the time of Uttrakhand-Kedarnath tragedy when despite having Congress government at the centre and a Defence Minister from Kerala, he, as Chief Minister of Gujarat was asked to help Sivagiri Mutt saints by the Mutt. The Prime Minister said that he will never forget this privilege.The Prime Minister commented that celebrations of 90th anniversary of Sivagiri Pilgrimage and Golden Jubilee of Brahma Vidhyalaya are not confined to the journey of these institutions but “this is also the immortal journey of that idea of India, which keeps moving forward through different mediums in different periods.” He continued “be it the city of Shiva in Varanasi or Shivagiri in Varkala, every centre of India's energy holds a special place in the lives of all of us Indians. These places are not mere pilgrimages, they are not just centres of faith, they are awakened establishments of the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.”The Prime Minister pointed out that while many countries and civilizations strayed from their Dharma and materialism took place of spiritualism, in India, said the Prime Minister, our sages and Gurus always refined our thoughts and enhanced our behaviour. The Prime Minister said that Shri Narayan Guru talked of modernity but he also enriched Indian culture and values. He talked of education and science but never shied away from raising the glory of the dharma, faith and thousand years old traditions of India. Shri Narayan Guru campaigned against stereotypes and evils and made India aware of its reality. He fought a logical and practical fight against the discrimination going on in the name of casteism. “Today, with the same inspiration of Narayan Guru Ji, the country is serving the poor, downtrodden, backward, giving them their rights”, the Prime Minister said, adding that the country is moving with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.Calling Shri Narayan Guru a radical thinker and a practical reformer, the Prime Minister said that the Guru Ji always followed the decorum of discussion and always tried to understand the viewpoint of the other and tried to convey his viewpoint collaboratively by working with the other person. He used to create an environment in the society that the society itself used to get in the direction of self-improvement with the right rationale. The Prime Minister elaborated that when we walk on this path of reforming the society, then a power of self-improvement is also awakened in the society. He gave the example of social adoption of the campaign of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao in recent times where the situation improved with speed as the government was able to create the right environment.The Prime Minister further said, as Indians, we have only one caste i.e. Indianness. We have only one religion – the dharma of service and duty. We have only one god – Mother India. Shri Narayan Guru’s exhortation of ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God’ gives a spiritual dimension to our patriotism, he added. “We all know that no goal of the world is impossible for the united Indians”, he said.In the backdrop of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Prime Minister once again put forward his analysis of the freedom struggle which according to him always had a spiritual foundation. The Prime Minister said, “our freedom struggle was never confined to the expression of protest and political strategies. While it was a fight to break the chains of slavery, it was informed by the vision of how we will be as an independent country as, only what we are opposed to is not important, it what we stand for is more important.”Prime Minister recalled the epoch-making meetings of titans of the freedom struggle with Shri Narayan Guru. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Gandhi Ji and Swami Vivekananda and many other dignitaries met Shri Narayan Guru on different occasions and in these meetings, the Prime Minister said, seeds of reconstruction of India were sowed, results of which are visible in today’s India and 75-year journey of the nation. Noting the fact that in 10 years Sivagiri Pilgrimage and in 25 years India’s freedom will celebrate its centenary. On this occasion our achievement and vision should be global in dimension, he said.Sivagiri Pilgrimage is held every year for three days from December 30 to January 1 at Sivagiri, Thiruvananthapuram. According to the Shri Narayana Guru, the aim of pilgrimage should be the creation of comprehensive knowledge among the people and the pilgrimage should help in their overall development and prosperity. The pilgrimage, therefore, focuses on eight subjects viz education, cleanliness, piety, handicrafts, trade and commerce, agriculture, science &amp; technology and organised endeavour.The pilgrimage started with a handful of devotees in 1933 but now has become one of the major events in South India. Every year, lakhs of devotees from all over the world irrespective of caste, creed, religion and language visit Sivagiri to participate in the pilgrimage.Shri Narayan Guru had also envisioned a place to teach the principles of all religions with equanimity and equal respect. The Brahma Vidhyalaya of Sivagiri was set up to realise this vision. Brahma Vidhyalaya offers a course of 7-years on Indian Philosophy including the works of Shri Narayan Guru and scriptures of all-important religions of the world.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the inaugural ceremony of year-long joint celebrations of the 90th anniversary of Sivagiri Pilgrimage and Golden Jubilee of Brahma Vidhyalaya today at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. 

PM participates in the inaugural ceremony of   Celebrations of 90th anniv of Sivagiri Pilgrimage  & Golden Jubilee of Brahma Vidhyalaya    	

Dehradun: Enthusiasm among devotees coming for the Char Dham yatra beginning on May 3 is at its peak with more than one lakh pilgrims having registered so far for the pilgrimage.&nbsp;The Uttarakhand tourism department has made registration of pilgrims for the yatra mandatory this time for their safety and well-being. Pilgrims, therefore, are registering themselves online on the department"s website. Char Dham yatra begins this year on May 3 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples in Uttarkashi district.&nbsp;The portals of Kedarnath will open for devotees on May 6 and those of Badrinath on May 8. Tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar said from May 3 to May 31, 15,829 pilgrims have registered for Yamunotri, 16,804 for Gangotri, 41,107 for Kedarnath and 29,488 for Badrinath. With the Covid pandemic situation returning to normal, pilgrims in large numbers are expected to come for the yatra this year, he said. It is for the first time that they are being provided the facility of online registration and verification.&nbsp;Their registration details are being shared with the district administrations concerned so that they know how many devotees visited the shrine on which day, the official said. It will also help the administration make better arrangements for devotees at the Himalayan temples, he said.&nbsp;—PTI&nbsp;

 Enthusiasm among devotees coming for the Char Dham yatra beginning on May 3 is at its peak with more than one lakh pilgrims having registered so far for the pilgrimage.   The Uttarakhand tourism department has made registration of pilgrims for the yatra mandatory this time for their safety and well-being. Pilgrims, therefore, are registering themselves online on the department"s website. Char Dham yatra begins this year on May 3 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples in Uttarkashi district. 

Over 1 Lakh Pilgrims Register For Char Dham Yatra In Uttarakhand

Jammu: The registration for the annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir commenced across the country on Monday with enthusiastic pilgrims making a beeline for designated bank branches to secure a permit for undertaking the journey. The 43-day yatra is scheduled to start on June 30 after the coronavirus pandemic enforced break of two years. The journey will begin from the twin routes — the traditional 48-km from Nunwan to the cave shrine from Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag, and 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.The government, this year, is also introducing a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system for pilgrims to track their movement en-route to ensure their well-being.Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which manages the annual pilgrimage, has designated 566 branches across the country for the registration of the pilgrims, in addition to the facility on its website.According to SASB, no one below the age of 13 years or above the age of 75 years, and no woman with more than six week’s pregnancy, shall be registered for the yatra.“The registration has started at our branches in Rehari, Katra, Reasi, Akhnoor and Samba in Jammu and Kashmir besides 316 other branches across the country,” Deputy General Manager, Punjab National Bank (PNB), Jammu Circle, Yatinder Kumar told reporters at Rehari branch here where several pilgrims registered for the yatra on the first day.He said the pilgrims have to submit an application, compulsory health certificate from SASB-designated hospitals, four photographs and a fee of Rs 120.However, those who have registered for the yatra last year, but could not undertake the pilgrimage have to deposit only Rs 20 as fees, the official said, adding that those pilgrims who have crossed 75 years of age would be refunded Rs 100 which have been deposited as registration fee with the application last year after depositing the permit slip.Kumar said each branch of PNB will register 30 intending pilgrims on a daily basis – 15 each for the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal.“We are very happy over the restart of the yatra after a gap of two years… we are thankful to the government,” Ranjeet Singh, a local resident, said.He said he had already performed the yatra 14 times in the past from both the routes and had never faced any problem.“This time, the shrine board has made additional arrangements and we are eagerly waiting for the day to have ‘darshan’ (glimpse) of the naturally formed ice shivling,” Singh added.Besides the Punjab National Bank, the registration can also be done at designated branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, YES bank and State Bank of India.Officials further said the registration and issue of yatra permit will be done on a first come-first-serve basis for the yatra, which will commence on June 30 with all Covid protocols in place and will culminate, as per the tradition, on the day of Raksha Bandhan (August 11).The Amarnath Yatra was cancelled midway in 2019 ahead of abrogation of Article 370 in August that year, while only a symbolic yatra was observed during the past two years due to the outbreak of the pandemic.During this year’s yatra, SASB has decided to put in place a daily route-wise pilgrims ceiling to 10,000, excluding those travelling by helicopters.The board has also decided to extend the free-of-cost battery car service for the pilgrims at the 2.75 km-long Baltal to Domel stretch.—PTI

 The registration for the annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir commenced across the country on Monday with enthusiastic pilgrims making a beeline for designated bank branches to secure a permit for undertaking the journey.

Registration For Annual Amarnath Yatra Commences

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