The Indo-Nepal Summit aimed at promoting religious tourism concluded successfully in Janakpur, underscoring the importance of policies, plans, and programs to boost religious tourism between the two countries. The event, organized jointly by the Consulate General of India in Birgunj and the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, saw various discussions about how Nepal and India could further strengthen their religious tourism ties.
The summit highlighted the increasing number of Indian tourists visiting Nepal and how such growth in tourism could enhance bilateral relations. Participants at the event emphasized that this would not only strengthen relations between the two countries but would also help in poverty alleviation and increase income generation in the local economy. Religious tourism, they believe, can play a key role in achieving these goals.
Madhesh Province Chief Minister, Satish Kumar Singh, spoke about the shared cultural and religious similarities between Nepal and India, which have contributed to the development of religious tourism in both countries. He noted that Indian tourists visiting Janakpur, especially to see the Janaki Temple, should be encouraged to explore other religious sites within Nepal as well. He also proposed the idea of creating a connection between Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Pokhara as part of the Ramayan Circuit, suggesting that these destinations should be linked together to enhance the religious tourism experience for visitors.
Singh further discussed the significance of the Dugdhamati River, which the province government plans to conserve, as part of efforts to highlight the Ramayan Circuit. He pointed out that a large number of Nepali religious tourists regularly visit prominent religious sites in India, such as Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Babadham, and Benaras, which have significantly contributed to the Indian economy. This shows the potential for further collaboration in religious tourism.
The Consul General of India in Birgunj, Devi Sahai Meena, also addressed the summit, discussing the strong religious and cultural ties between the two countries. She pointed out that tourists from both countries wish to visit the religious sites in the neighboring nation. She highlighted that Indian tourists want to visit places like Janakpurdham, Pashupatinath, Lumbini, and Pokhara in Nepal, while Nepali tourists also have a keen interest in visiting religious places in India.
Meena stressed the need for both Nepal and India to develop serious efforts to make it easier for tourists to travel between the two countries. She said it was crucial for both nations to work together to facilitate tourists and create more seamless connections. At the summit, the participants agreed that developing a common strategy for promoting the Ramayana Circuit and improving tourism links would be beneficial for both countries.
Dr. Sohan Kumar Saha, Vice Chairman of the Madhes Province Policy and Planning Commission, and former vice-chairmen Dr. Haribansha Jha and Dr. Bhogendra Thakur, also spoke at the event. They suggested that both Nepal and India should develop a unified strategy to promote the Ramayana Circuit and enhance Nepal-India tourism. They emphasized that linking Madhes Province to tourists from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India could significantly contribute to the development of this region.
The summit was also attended by key members of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce State Development Council, such as Secretary Atul Kumar Thakur, who highlighted the importance of the event in promoting tourism between Nepal and India. Surendra Bhandari, President of the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industries, also called for the development of more infrastructure to promote the Ramayana Circuit, stating that both governments need to invest in this area to make the religious tourism circuit more accessible and attractive for visitors.
Nirmal Chaudhary, President of the Marwadi Service Committee Janakpurdham, and central member of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, as well as Bajaranga Prasad Saha, the former mayor of Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City, also spoke at the summit. They highlighted the potential of the Ramayana Circuit and how important it is for both governments to work together to develop the necessary infrastructure and facilities for this tourism initiative.
Other prominent figures, including culture expert Ramesh Ranjan Jha, Sunil Mallik, Chair of the Greater Janakpur Area Development Council, Shital Saha, and Satish Patuwal, also contributed to the discussion, offering insights into the various facets of the Ramayana Circuit and its potential to boost tourism in both countries.
The Indo-Nepal Summit in Janakpur highlighted the potential of religious tourism in strengthening ties between Nepal and India. The event emphasized the importance of developing a strategic approach to promote religious circuits like the Ramayana Circuit, which could have a positive impact on both countries’ tourism industries and economies.
The discussions pointed out the need for better infrastructure, improved connectivity, and mutual collaboration between the two nations to attract more religious tourists and boost the overall tourism experience. The summit served as a significant step forward in making religious tourism an essential pillar of the Nepal-India relationship.
