The Northern Region Office of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, orchestrated a Conference focusing on the Mahabharat Circuit, followed by a Familiarization Trip to Kurukshetra, Jyotisar, and Thanesar on 10th January 2024. The event drew a diverse assembly of participants from across the country, including Tour Operators, travel media representatives, opinion leaders, influencers, and officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Haryana Tourism Department, and local administration.
The primary objective was to raise awareness about the tourism potential and religious significance of the region. Discussions during the conference encompassed various aspects such as infrastructure, accommodation, tourist facilities, visitor influx, Travel and Tourism Sustainability, Responsible Tourism, community involvement, and the training of service providers for the region’s promotion and marketing.
Taking place on January 9, 2024, the Conference aimed to explore, promote, and spotlight Kurukshetra and Mahabharat-related sites as preferred tourist destinations for both domestic and international visitors. Manisha Saxena, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism GOI, addressed the delegates virtually, emphasizing that Mahabharat is not just an epic but a way of life. She highlighted the significant developments in infrastructure and facilities in collaboration with Haryana Tourism, including the establishment of a Light & Sound Show and a museum at Jyotisar.
Delegates from private tourism operators and ISKCON spoke at the event, underscoring the importance and potential of Kurukshetra.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The circuit tours are part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15. Under the original Swadesh Darshan scheme, 15 theme-based circuits were launched. A Tourist Circuit is characterized as a path connecting a minimum of three prominent tourist destinations, in different towns, villages, or cities, without being separated by considerable distances. These circuits must feature clearly defined entry and exit points to encourage visitors to explore the majority of the identified places within the circuit.
In contrast, Theme-based Tourist Circuits revolve around specific themes, such as religion, culture, ethnicity, niche interests, and more. These themed circuits can be limited to a single state, or may extend to cover a regional circuit spanning multiple states or Union territories.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 was launched in 2023, shifting the focus from circuit tours to resonate more with the PMs vision of ‘vocal for local’ to attract domestic tourists. More details on Swadesh Darshan 2.0 can be found here and here.
With inputs from PIB
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