Madhya Pradesh: Emerging as a Center for Spiritual and Cultural Tourism
The Madhya Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, is undertaking unique initiatives to transform the state into a major center for spiritual and cultural tourism.
Deepak 
Bhopal, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of cultural renaissance, the state has taken numerous significant decisions to preserve and promote its rich cultural, spiritual, and ancient traditions.
Development of Chitrakoot and Ram Van Path Gaman Route
To promote cultural and spiritual tourism, Chitrakoot will be developed on the lines of Ayodhya. A comprehensive plan has been prepared for the development of all major sites along the Ram Van Path Gaman route. This 1,450-kilometer route will be developed as a grand religious center for cultural tourism in the state. The development of this route will not only boost tourism but also generate employment opportunities and foster development in nearby areas.
Inclusion of Major Religious Sites
The Ram Van Path Gaman plan includes 23 major religious sites, incorporating districts such as Satna, Panna, Katni, Amarkantak, Shahdol, and Umaria. Additionally, places where Lord Krishna's footsteps are believed to have touched will be developed as pilgrimage sites. To promote Ujjain, the city of Mahakal, various cultural, commercial, and industrial events have been organized this year to drive business, tourism, and development.
Vikramaditya Vedic Clock and Cultural Awareness
In February this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's first "Vikramaditya Vedic Clock" during Vikramotsav, showcasing the Indian timekeeping tradition to the global stage. Furthermore, the state government has decided to include Vikram Samvat in official calendars.
Air Services and the Construction of Devotional Buildings
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has made several key decisions for the cultural and spiritual development of the state. Helicopter services will be initiated from Indore to Ujjain, Mandleshwar Jyotirling, Jabalpur to Chitrakoot, and Gwalior to Orchha and Pitambara Peeth. To facilitate air travel for tourists, PM Shri Tourism Air Service and PM Shri Religious Tourism Heli Service have been launched. The state government has also decided to construct a devotional building (Dharmashala) in Ayodhya for the convenience of devotees from Madhya Pradesh.
Promotion of Cottage Industries and Cultural Heritage
A decision has been made to manufacture temple materials such as deity clothes, jewelry, decorative items, and metal and stone idols by self-help groups. Youth from the region will receive training from renowned artists, and stalls will be set up in temples for the sale of these items.
UNESCO's World Heritage Center has included six heritage sites from Madhya Pradesh: Gwalior Fort, the historic group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple in Bhojpur, rock art sites of Chambal Valley, Khuni Bhandara in Burhanpur, and Gond memorials in Ramnagar, Mandla.
Expansion of Cruise Tourism
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority of India and the Gujarat government to operate a cruise from Ekta Dham (Statue of Oneness) in Omkareshwar to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. This initiative will boost cruise tourism in the state, taking Madhya Pradesh's tourism to new heights.
Madhya Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a center for spiritual and cultural tourism, a significant step towards preserving and promoting the state's rich heritage and diversity.
