Harsil, Uttarakhand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a trek and bike rally as part of Uttarakhand’s Winter Tourism Program during his visit to Harsil. He also performed prayers at Mukhwa, the winter seat of Maa Ganga. The visit emphasized the potential of winter tourism to generate year-round economic growth, create employment opportunities, and further develop Uttarakhand as a key destination for both spiritual and adventure tourism.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in Mana village, extending heartfelt condolences to the families affected. He reassured the families of the nation’s solidarity during this difficult time, offering his support and emphasizing the strength and unity shared by all.
In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the spiritual and natural legacy of Uttarakhand, referring to the state as “Devbhoomi” and recalling its significance to him personally. PM Modi shared how Maa Ganga’s blessings guided him throughout his political journey, mentioning that it was due to these blessings that he had the opportunity to serve the state. He reflected on his visit to Kashi and the deep connection he feels with Maa Ganga, which he believes has now brought him back to her “maternal home” in Uttarakhand, reinforcing his sense of duty toward the people of the region.
The Prime Minister recalled his previous declaration that “this decade belongs to Uttarakhand”, noting that the vision is now becoming a reality with new opportunities emerging for development. PM Modi acknowledged the importance of winter tourism in Uttarakhand, emphasizing that the state must move toward becoming a year-round tourism destination to boost the local economy and create sustained employment. He spoke about the seasonal nature of tourism in the region, which sees peaks during March to June but experiences a drastic dip during the winter months, leading to economic stagnation. By diversifying tourism activities and promoting winter experiences like trekking and skiing, the state can leverage its full potential year-round.
During his address, PM Modi underlined the need to foster balanced tourism, where Uttarakhand’s sacred religious experiences, including unique winter rituals, are highlighted to attract visitors throughout the year. He mentioned the winter ceremonies in Mukhwa and emphasized that the government’s vision for year-round tourism will provide opportunities for spiritual and cultural experiences, which in turn will boost local employment.
The Prime Minister also mentioned significant infrastructure developments, such as the Char Dham All-Weather Road, expressways, and expanded rail and air connectivity, which will contribute to the seamless travel experience for tourists. He welcomed the recent approval of projects like the Kedarnath Ropeway and Hemkund Ropeway, which will significantly reduce travel time for pilgrims, making it easier for elderly people and children to visit sacred sites.
In addition, PM Modi recognized the importance of homestays and their contribution to the local economy. He encouraged people to take advantage of the Mudra Yojana to develop homestays, emphasizing that these new ventures will help increase tourist engagement and bring greater financial stability to the local communities. He praised the government’s push for homestay development and noted that restoring villages like Mana and Jadung, which were abandoned in 1962, had increased the tourist influx.
PM Modi also highlighted the potential of Uttarakhand to host winter weddings, encouraging couples across India to consider the state as a destination for their special day. He reiterated his earlier call to prioritize Uttarakhand in the wedding tourism industry, which contributes significantly to the economy. The Prime Minister also touched upon the idea of “Gham Tapo Tourism” (sun basking tourism), where people from all over the country could experience Uttarakhand’s sunshine in the winter months.
He urged the corporate sector to host conferences, meetings, and exhibitions in Uttarakhand, recognizing the vast potential of the MICE sector. Additionally, PM Modi encouraged universities, schools, and colleges to organize winter educational trips, making Uttarakhand an essential part of the student tourism experience.
PM Modi acknowledged the film industry’s role in promoting tourism, emphasizing the state’s recognition as the “Most Film-Friendly State” and encouraging the industry to shoot in Uttarakhand’s picturesque locations. He encouraged content creators to explore Uttarakhand’s unexplored destinations, creating engaging content to help further promote the state’s tourism initiatives.
In closing, the Prime Minister reflected on the importance of studying successful winter tourism models from countries with established winter tourism industries. He expressed confidence that Uttarakhand will lead the way in winter tourism and will witness rapid growth in the coming years, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and government support for tourism infrastructure.
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