A special interaction program was held at Yatri Suites and Spa, Thamel, Kathmandu, to highlight the significance of the Pran Pratishtha (ritual consecration) and Anushthan (ritual ceremonies) of the Sri Vigraha (sacred idol) of Badrinarayan Temple. The event brought together spiritual leaders, tourism entrepreneurs, representatives from national and international tourism organizations, and media personnel to discuss the broader religious, cultural, and tourism potential of the temple and the upcoming event scheduled for Baisakh 19–27.
The program was hosted by Mr. Kul Bahadur Gurung and featured enlightening spiritual insights from Bachan Pandit Shiromani Dinabandu Pokharel, who emphasized the divine essence of the Sri Vigraha. He expressed that the consecration of the idol is not merely a religious activity but a powerful step towards establishing Nepal as a global spiritual tourism destination. “One day, Nepal will lead the world through spiritual tourism,” he stated, echoing the vision of turning Nepal into a sacred hub for pilgrims from around the globe.
Support from Tourism Sector Leaders
Mr. Sagar Pandey, President of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), assured full support from the trekking and tourism sector for the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony. He also emphasized the inclusion of Nagarjun as a new trekking destination and Badrinarayandham as a spiritual site within the Kathmandu Valley tourism map during the interaction program.
Mr. Som Nath Sapkota, a prominent member of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and tourism promoter for Wales under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, expressed his full readiness to support the forthcoming religious events and actively promote them on a global scale. Beyond his role in Wales, Mr. Sapkota has been actively engaged in various international platforms and initiatives to elevate Nepal’s tourism profile worldwide.
He emphasized that his efforts are not limited to traditional tourism promotion but are also focused on developing and connecting spiritual tourism, particularly by bridging Hinduism and Buddhism as a unified spiritual journey. He further stated that Nepal holds unique potential as a spiritual hub, with sacred sites revered by both religions, and his ongoing work aims to establish Nepal as a must-visit destination for seekers of spiritual experiences. By representing Nepal across different international events and cultural forums, Mr. Sapkota is advocating for the global recognition of Nepal’s religious heritage, which he believes can inspire a new wave of global spiritual tourism.
Boosting Nepal’s Religious Tourism Potential
Dr. Ram Sharan Thapaliya, Vice President of the Narayan Pokharel Foundation and Event Manager, highlighted the international relevance of the Badrinarayan Temple project. He emphasized that this spiritual initiative could become a cornerstone in attracting international tourists, particularly from the Indian subcontinent, thus contributing to Nepal’s GDP through tourism growth. “This kind of spiritual movement has the power to influence global attention and place Nepal on the religious tourism map,” said Dr. Thapaliya, closing the interaction program with a motivational speech.
President of the Association of Kailash Tours Operators Nepal (AKTON), Mr. Bimal Naharki, stressed the importance of including Badrinarayan Dham in Kathmandu Valley as a future stop for Indian tourists. He expressed confidence that the destination could become a vital part of the religious circuits promoted to pilgrims and spiritual seekers visiting Nepal.
Former TAAN President Mr. Khum Bahadur Subedi also pledged his support for promoting the event, assuring that he will inform stakeholders and tourism networks to contribute to its success.
Strong Participation from Tourism Community
The interaction program saw the participation of more than 50 tourism entrepreneurs and several journalists. The event was seen as a collaborative platform where spiritual beliefs met modern tourism goals. It emphasized the need for unity among stakeholders to harness Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Plans are underway to organize the Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav from Baishakh 19 to Baishakh 27 at the newly proposed Badrinarayan Dham in Kathmandu Valley. The event aims to draw not only local devotees but also international pilgrims, especially from India, where Lord Badrinarayan holds immense religious importance.
This initiative is expected to create a unique blend of spirituality and tourism, opening new avenues for cultural exchange, economic upliftment, and Nepal’s global image as a land of spiritual depth and natural beauty.
