Exploring Spiritual Heritage: Conference on Mahabharat Circuit and Familiarisation Trip

New Delhi:  The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (Northern Region Office), orchestrated a Conference on the Mahabharat Circuit, followed by a Familiarisation Trip to Kurukshetra, Jyotisar, and Thanesar on January 10, 2024. Delegates from across the country, including Tour Operators, travel media persons, opinion makers, and influencers, participated in the Conference. This initiative aimed to shed light on the tourism potential and religious significance of the region. Discussions covered various aspects, such as infrastructure, accommodation, tourist amenities, sustainability in travel and tourism, responsible tourism, community involvement, and sensitization and training of service providers for region promotion and marketing.

The conference held on January 9, 2024, sought to explore, promote, and highlight Kurukshetra and the significant places related to the Mahabharat as a preferred tourist destination among domestic and overseas visitors.

In a virtual address to the delegates, Manisha Saxena, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, stated, “Mahabharat is not just an Epic but a way of life, and Kurukshetra holds prominent significance in Mahabharat. Over the last few years, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Haryana Tourism, has undertaken large-scale development activities targeting better infrastructure and facilities for visitors. Development of the Light & Sound Show and a museum at Jyotisar are a few of the latest developments.”

Dr. R. K. Suman, Regional Director North, explained, “The whole idea behind hosting this Conference and Familiarisation tour was to showcase the rich spiritual heritage that Kurukshetra offered. Travel industry stakeholders from all over the country were invited to experience firsthand what Kurukshetra offers and then share it with their client base in their respective markets.”

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Raman Gupta, Joint MD, Haryana Tourism; Rajiv Mehra, President IATO; P.P. Khanna, President ADTOI; and Mohan Gurucharandas, Vice President ISKON expressed the importance and potential of Kurukshetra.

During the familiarisation trip, delegates explored important tourist places in Kurukshetra, Thanesar, and Jyotisar, including Brahm Sarovar, Jyotisar, the Sound and Light Show at Jyotisar, Sri Krishna Museum, the Panorama and science museum, Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb, Raja Harsh ka Tila, Bhadra Kali Temple, and Bhishma Kund.