Nepali peace ambassador Pradeep Khanal has been honored by the Asia Book of Records for visiting 450 pilgrimage sites across South Asia and China within a year. This recognition comes as a testament to his commitment to promoting pilgrimage tourism, and he received a trophy and certificate during the “International Convocation-2024” event held on October 2-3.
The honor was presented by Ashwini Chaubey, a former Indian minister, who acknowledged Khanal among other record-holders from Nepal, India, and Bhutan for his achievements in pilgrimage tourism. In addition to this accolade, Khanal was also recognized by the India Book of Records, where he received the “Hundred Top Records of the Year” award alongside other remarkable achievements from the Buddha International Trust in the UK.
Khanal, who serves as the president of the International Friendship Society Nepal, undertook an extensive pilgrimage journey from mid-June 2023 to mid-June 2024. He visited various sacred sites across Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and China, which included four Dhams, four Adi Shakti Peeths, 18 Mahashakti Peeths, 52 Shakti Peeths, 108 Siddh Peeths, Sapta Puri, and 11 Gurdwaras of Sikhism, as well as 13 Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
His travels also included sacred sites like Mount Kailash and Manasarovar in Tibet, the confluence of three seas at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, and the Anil Kund at the Hinglaj Mata Temple in Balochistan, Pakistan. Khanal took dips in 23 sacred kunds, lakes, rivers, and river origins throughout his pilgrimage.
During the recognition ceremony, former minister Chaubey expressed pride in honoring Khanal and others who have visited nearly 500 pilgrimage sites. Khanal remarked, “I undertook this journey not to set records but with the holy wish for world peace, friendship, and harmony. As I worked towards this goal, records were established naturally. This honor also belongs to all peace-loving Nepalis.”
After completing his successful pilgrimage, Khanal has been distributing holy water offerings to various dignitaries, including Nepal’s Speaker of the House, former presidents, former prime ministers, former chief justices, the chief priest of Pashupatinath Temple, leaders from different political parties, journalists, and former Indian Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, as well as Jagadguru Shankaracharya Adhyoksanand of the Govardhan Peeth.
Khanal’s journey and subsequent recognition highlight the significance of pilgrimage tourism in fostering international friendship and peace, showcasing the spiritual bonds that connect diverse cultures across South Asia.
Source: RSS
