Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Temple Connect Conference, a three-day event celebrating India’s rich spiritual heritage, witnessed a landmark address today by the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte. Highlighting Goa’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier spiritual tourism destination, the state’s focus on Regenerative Tourism and how spiritual tourism aligns with this vision was greatly emphasized.
The Ekadasha Teertha Initiative, which brings 11 revered temples under a single circuit to offer devotees and tourists an immersive cultural and spiritual experience was elaborated and showcased. As part of Tourism’s spiritual initiatives, Rudreshwar Temple and the surrounding area near Harvalem Waterfall will be developed to enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, Shree Saptkoteshwar Temple in Narve, a significant site under the Ekadash Teerth initiative, will undergo infrastructure development to provide improved facilities for devotees and visitors.
A key highlight of the event was the announcement of ‘Gomant Sarita Poojan’, at the Sangam of the three significant rivers that meet each other – Mandovi, Zuari, and Valvanti at Narve, creating a serene and divine atmosphere for devotees and visitors.
The Government of Goa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Uttarakhand, leveraging their expertise in conducting spiritual river ceremonies. This collaboration aims to establish Goa’s first river aarti, enhancing the state’s spiritual tourism appeal while promoting eco-conscious practices along its riverbanks.\
Speaking at the event, Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism stated, “Spiritual tourism is a vital part of Goa’s regenerative tourism model. With the Ekadasha Teertha initiative and the upcoming Gomant Sarita Poojan, we are committed to offering enriching experiences that blend faith, heritage, and sustainability. This initiative will not only elevate Goa’s spiritual landscape but also provide a unique cultural attraction for visitors worldwide.”
The Temple Connect Conference continues to serve as a platform for discussions on temple conservation, pilgrimage tourism, and heritage promotion, with Goa setting a precedent for integrating spiritual tourism with sustainable and community-driven practices.
