India expands temple tourism to attract foreign visitors

THE NEWS: India’s Ministry of Tourism has identified 16 spiritual sites for development and promotion under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), aiming to expand the country’s international spiritual‑tourism footprint.

DETAILS:

• The drive seeks to showcase India’s centuries‑old spiritual traditions together with its diverse culture, cuisine, crafts, festivals and customs.
• Vedagiri Lakshmi Narasimhawamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh is among the newly selected locations.
• Simariya Ghat in Bihar is also part of the 16‑site portfolio.
• Kudargarh Temple in Chhattisgarh has been named for development under PRASHAD.
• Shri Nilkanth Mahadev Temple in Gujarat is included in the initiative’s list.

WHY IT MATTERS: By creating a curated set of spiritual destinations that offer experiences beyond temple visits, the PRASHAD program aims to attract a broader segment of international pilgrims and cultural tourists, potentially boosting inbound visitor numbers and supporting related tourism sectors across India.

FAQ

How many spiritual sites has India selected for development under PRASHAD?
India’s Ministry of Tourism has identified a total of 16 spiritual sites for development and promotion under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).

What is the name of the initiative that will develop these new pilgrimage destinations?
The programme is called the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive, abbreviated as PRASHAD, and is being led by India’s Ministry of Tourism.

Which states host some of the newly identified spiritual sites?
The newly announced locations include Vedagiri Lakshmi Narasimhawamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, Simariya Ghat in Bihar, Kudargarh Temple in Chhattisgarh, and Shri Nilkanth Mahadev Temple in Gujarat.

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