By Jay Prakash Pandey
In recent years, India has witnessed significant strides in developing circuits encompassing religious tourism destinations. These sites, which stand as emblematic of India’s cultural amalgamation and national unity, are being integrated into the broader transportation network. While plains are being connected via improved train and road systems, Himalayan states like Uttarakhand are seeing the implementation of All Weather Road and Char Dham projects. Taking a step further, recommendations for ropeway projects are now being forwarded. This not only enhances the convenience and facilities available to tourists but also merges pilgrimage with tourism.
A substantial section of India’s devotees aspires for spiritual gain amidst their economic constraints. These are the same individuals who yearn for both facilities and modern amenities. Consequently, most current religious tourism plans cater to this group. Meanwhile, average devotees still prefer completing their pilgrimage journeys on foot, opting for traditional palanquin services over helicopter rides even under special conditions. These pilgrims keenly feel the increasing pressure on religious sites, and their experiences can significantly shape the formation of future tourism schemes.
Despite a recent incident involving the ropeway at the famous Deoghar temple, persistent efforts are underway to introduce ropeway systems in geographically challenging hilly states, even when faced with resistance from environmentalists. The effectiveness of these initiatives around glacier-adjacent temples remains to be seen. However, such projects promise to provide an affordable and accessible alternative route for differently-abled individuals and the elderly, which is currently missing.
There was a time when, during the final phase of life, devotees would embark on a pilgrimage from Rishikesh to Kedarnath on foot, experiencing a sense of divine companionship through faith, emotion, and spirituality. Historical accounts suggest that devotees embarking on the quest for Shiv-tatva at the Char Dhams would perform the pind daan ritual in Haridwar beforehand. It is said that during those times, devotees who embarked on the pilgrimage to the four holy abodes of Shiva first performed the ritual of offering ancestral sacrifices in Haridwar.
As time progresses, the balance between preserving the sanctity and natural beauty of these sacred sites and enhancing accessibility through modern infrastructure will be pivotal in determining the future of religious tourism in India.
Today, in the world of vlogging, religious centres like Kedarnath and Badrinath are gradually transforming into spots for pre-wedding shoots, honeymoons, and weekend getaways. It wouldn’t be surprising if, in the next 20 years, these places also become attractive for property investments.
One striking observation today is how helicopter services have revolutionised spiritual journeys, allowing the affluent to bypass the traditional barriers of age, time, and even spiritual readiness, turning sacred pilgrimages into material for Instagram reels and Facebook updates. Recently, this trend took a fascinating twist when a Mahindra Thar was airlifted to Kedarnath Dham by an army Chinook helicopter. This vehicle is being evaluated as a potential solution for the seamless transport of elderly, ill, and differently-abled pilgrims from the helipad directly to the temple grounds.
Despite efforts by state governments, the influx of countless devotees has undeniably impacted environmental sustainability. The carelessness of the supposedly educated, self-centered Indian citizens towards environmental concerns at these religious centres is evident from the growing heaps of polythene, plastic, and bottles. Should these religious places be turned into picnic spots in the name of convenience for the devotees? Can the development of religious tourism sites compromise the ecological balance? Can there be an age limit for devotees using increasing helicopter services to visit our established holy abodes? Should the number of tourists in the pressure-bearing Himalayan region be restricted on a daily basis? These are all critical questions that need addressing.
Understandably, in a country governed by its constitution, the above-mentioned points might seem an obstruction to fundamental rights, particularly the freedom of movement. However, the reality is that the pressure of tourism in the Himalayan states is now being felt, and it is the appropriate time to utilise the exceptions provided by the same constitution.
The truth is that a significant portion of the economically well-off devotees visiting holy sites like Kedarnath and Badrinath are now those who cannot distinguish between religious places and tourist spots. Videos of tourists with liquor bottles in the waves of the Ganga going viral daily bear testimony to this.
There is another development model for tourism where you provide basic facilities along walking paths.
Walking journeys, a longstanding part of Indian culture, foster cultural unity and provide opportunities for mutual understanding. They offer a perspective that transcends just viewing lakes and waterfalls, giving a holistic view of the place. Imagine how wonderful it would be to have robust, permanent transit camps for pilgrims on religious journeys, equipped with proper food, water, and medical facilities. While some facilities currently exist, utilising central government grants towards this purpose could make a tangible impact for devotees.
In addition, Uttarakhand urgently needs to improve its electricity system. Despite the submergence of almost 125 villages, the state still struggles to ensure a steady power supply. Proper lighting at tourist spots is essential for enhancing the visitor experience. For instance, on the journey from Mussoorie to Dehradun, only about 10 to 15 lights are typically functioning. This issue isn’t confined to the capital; it is prevalent across almost every region of Uttarakhand. Addressing these concerns would significantly improve both religious pilgrimages and tourism in the state.
There is no doubt that enhancing the technical efficiency of ropeway projects and implementing set standards will benefit the disabled and elderly. However, we must ensure that religion does not deviate from its central essence, religious sites do not become picnic spots for singing and dancing, and that Himalayan states do not merely become venues for destination weddings. Learning from past experiences, we need to take strong steps in this direction as well.
(The author is Senior Official Language Officer, ONGC Headquarters, Dehradun. The views expressed are personal.)
