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Board for spiritual tourism mooted

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR, FEB. 24. The Union Tourism Minister, Jagmohan, has suggested that a Board for promotion of spiritual tourism be set up in Rajasthan on the lines of a similar Board established in Uttaranchal for development of four `dhaams' (pilgrim centres). The Centre would assist in the Board's establishment and provide financial assistance to the State, he said.

Mr. Jagmohan made the observations during a meeting with the Governor, Madan Lal Khurana, in New Delhi today and recommended that a comprehensive plan be formulated for development of pilgrim centres in Rajasthan as the spiritual tourism centres and sent to the Centre for its approval.

An official release issued here stated that Mr. Khurana reminded Mr. Jagmohan of the geographical size of the State -- being the largest in the country -- while pointing out that its rich culture, distinct folk arts and music, handicrafts, and the magnificent forts, palaces and mansions had always attracted tourists from far and near.

"Tourism has flowed like the lifeline of Rajasthan since the Vedic era. The sages and seers composed the Vedic verses on the banks of the legendary Saraswati river and religious tourists from as far as China visited the State for spiritual studies,'' Mr. Khurana said.

The Governor pointed out that the State had several important pilgrim centres, such as Nathdwara temple, Mahavir temple and the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti attracting the pilgrims in large numbers. He drew Mr. Jagmohan's attention to the need for creating proper infrastructure at these places for their integrated development.

Mr. Khurana said similar attempts had been made at the famous Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir and had proved very successful. Similarly, the Board in Uttaranchal was now taking steps for development of the four dhaams of Gangotri, Jamnotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

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