Srinagar 31 December: The shrine of Mata Khirbhawani has been visited by more than 1.9 lakh pilgrims so far this year – the highest footfall.
According to the officials, a total of 1.9 lakh pilgrims had visited the temple in Tullamulla of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district by 20, December, this year surpassing the old figures.
The fact that nearly 2 lakh tourists visited the temple this year is a testament to its cultural and religious value. Such a large influx of tourists brings many benefits to the local economy, promoting tourism-related businesses and generating employment opportunities.
Chairman Civil Society Tullamulla Manzoor Wani shared his thoughts, and said, “In recent years, India has seen a remarkable transformation in its spiritual tourism landscape. This transformation can be attributed to a concerted effort to renovate and modernize pilgrim sites, upgrade the supporting infrastructure, and enhance transportation systems.”
Another notable change is that young travellers begin to prefer spiritual sites over recreational destinations. A couple of years back, the turf of spiritual tourism was mostly dominated by retired citizens, who were willing to spend their savings on yatras (pilgrimage).
He further said that high number of visitors visited to the Khirbhawani temple this year highlights the significance of religious and spiritual tourism in the area. As a result, the Civil Society Tullamulla has rightfully raised concerns about the need to upgrade the infrastructure in and outside the temple to cater to the growing number of tourists.
Infrastructure development is crucial for enhancing the overall tourism experience and ensuring the convenience and safety of visitors. It includes improving road connectivity, parking facilities, restrooms, accommodation options, and other essential amenities. By upgrading these facilities, the temple can better accommodate the increasing number of tourists and provide them with a more fulfilling experience, he added.
We are very thankful to the LG administration for sanctioning this village as tourist village but it needs its implementation on ground, Wani said.
Focusing on sustainable practices in infrastructure development is essential. The temple can incorporate eco-friendly measures such as waste management systems, solar-powered lighting, and the use of renewable resources for construction. This would not only minimize the ecological impact but also contribute to the temple’s image as a responsible and environmentally conscious tourist destination, said a local Ab Hameed.
The upgradation and strengthening of the road, drugging of Nallah (river), development of main Bus adda will boost tourism in the area. It will be a serious attempt of the administration to uplift the area, if the road, drugging of river and bus adda is upgraded” said Zahoor Ahmad.
Apart from infrastructure facilities, hospitality players offer a lot of exciting attractions around the religious sites, for which Kashmir is known.
Khirbhawani temple is situated 30 km from Srinagar city, it is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Kashmiri Hindus. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Devi.Legend has it that the water of the temple’s spring changes colour and the colour of the water is said to predict the impending future.(CNI) Current News of India