Uttarakhand has introduced a new tourist package offering pilgrims a convenient and spiritual journey to the sacred Kailash peak from the Old Lipulekh pass, located within Indian territory. This initiative aims to boost religious tourism and the local economy.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has implemented a series of measures to enhance safety and streamline registration for the upcoming Navratri festival, including the addition of eight new registration counters at Katra Station, mandatory RFID cards, and increased security personnel. These measures aim to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience for the anticipated surge of devotees during the festival.
Uttarakhand Tourism has launched a groundbreaking pilgrimage route allowing devotees to witness the sacred Mount Kailash from the Old Lipulekh Peak in India, eliminating the need to cross international borders. This initiative, launched on Gandhi Jayanti, provides a spiritual journey encompassing Om Parvat and Adi Kailash, offering a unique and accessible experience for Shiva devotees.
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, experienced a surge in tourism in the first half of 2024, welcoming over 110 million pilgrims and tourists. This influx, driven by its religious significance and modern infrastructure development, has cemented Ayodhya as a major religious destination and boosted the local economy.
The North Central Railway has launched a new daily train service connecting Subedarganj station in Prayagraj to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, offering a direct and convenient route for pilgrims visiting the revered shrine.
A landslide on the new track leading to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district resulted in the deaths of two women pilgrims and serious injuries to a girl. The incident occurred near Panchi, three kilometers from Bhawan, around 2:35 pm on Monday.
Kazakhstan’s leading airline, Air Astana, is expanding its network with new direct flights from Shymkent and Almaty to Jeddah and Medina in Saudi Arabia. These routes cater to the growing demand for pilgrimage and business travel, offering convenient and affordable travel options. Passengers will enjoy modern Airbus A321LR aircraft and a range of amenities, including spacious seating, in-flight entertainment, and premium dining options.
The Central Railway (CR) will operate 64 special trains for devotees traveling to Pandharpur for Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 17th. The Maharashtra government has also announced toll exemption for vehicles carrying pilgrims to the temple town from July 3rd to 21st, and is ensuring road repairs for a smooth journey.
Award-winning Turkish garden designer Nilufer Danis has recreated the essence of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, evoking the spirit of the journey and the Galician landscape. Her garden, ‘The Way of St James,’ features a statue symbolizing the pilgrims’ joy, scented jasmine arches, and granite paving stones referencing the traditional path. The garden showcases the beauty of the Galician region and the enduring spirit of the pilgrimage.
Over 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with a majority of the deceased being unauthorized participants. The deaths were largely attributed to heat-related causes, with temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius in Mecca. The Saudi government has reported a successful management of the pilgrimage, despite the high number of deaths. Climate change is expected to exacerbate heat stress during Hajj in the future.
