PM Modi Attends Uttarakhand Winter Tourism Showcase in Harsil
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Synopsis
On March 6, PM Modi attended the 'Uttarakhand Tourist Winter Tourism' exhibition in Harsil, showcasing the state's natural beauty and cultural richness. He promoted local products, attended a folk dance, and initiated a trek and bike rally to boost winter tourism.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi visited the Uttarakhand winter tourism exhibition in Harsil.
- Highlighted key tourist sites like Mahasu Devta and Bala Sundari Temple.
- Promoted local entrepreneurship through the 'One District, One Product' initiative.
- Launched a bike rally and trek to enhance winter tourism.
- Approved significant ropeway projects to boost pilgrimage accessibility.
Harsil, March 6 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited an 'Uttarakhand Tourist Winter Tourism' exhibition in Harsil on Thursday, where he discovered the state's stunning destinations and rich cultural heritage.
The exhibition highlighted famous sites, including Mahasu Devta, Timmarsain Mahadev Cave, Bala Sundari Temple, Tehri's paragliding hotspot, Golju Temple, and Kartik Swami Temple.
The Prime Minister received insights into the significance and distinct features of these locations.
Additionally, he attended an exhibition under the 'One District, One Product' initiative, aimed at uplifting local entrepreneurs and showcasing indigenous products from Uttarakhand.
The exhibition presented traditional garments, Baal Mithai, honey, Buransh juice, handcrafted shawls, and caps. The Prime Minister also enjoyed a lively folk dance performance, highlighting the state's vibrant cultural heritage.
Subsequently, PM Modi initiated a trek to Janak Taal and launched a bike rally from Harsil Valley, marking a significant advancement in Uttarakhand's winter tourism efforts.
This visit corresponds with the Uttarakhand government's Winter Tourism initiative, which has already drawn thousands of pilgrims to the winter shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The program aims to promote religious tourism while simultaneously enhancing local businesses, such as homestays and tourism-related ventures.
Earlier in the day, upon reaching Mukhwa, the Prime Minister visited the Mukhimath Temple, recognized as the winter home of River Ganga in the Uttarkashi district. He performed rituals and sought blessings from Goddess Ganga as hundreds gathered to greet him.
Each year, on Diwali, the idol of Goddess Ganga from the Gangotri Temple is transported to Mukhimath Temple due to severe winter conditions. The idol remains there for six months until the Gangotri Temple reopens in summer, at which point it is returned in a grand ceremonial procession.
A day before his visit, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by PM Modi, approved two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand.
The first is a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, which will be built at a capital cost of Rs 4,081.28 crore under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model. The second project is a 12.4 km ropeway linking Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji, approved for Rs 2,730.13 crore.
According to the CCEA, these projects will improve last-mile connectivity for pilgrims while creating significant employment during both construction and operational phases. The ropeways are also expected to foster socio-economic development, benefiting industries such as hospitality, travel, food, and tourism.
With these initiatives, Uttarakhand is poised to become a year-round destination for religious and adventure tourism, solidifying its status as a spiritual and natural haven.
