Domestic tourism in India, is witnessing a new wave of interest amidst the Indian citizens in the post-Covid world. The sudden appreciation of one’s own country by either design or default has worked to the advantage for Indian tourism, as the vibrant domestic traffic is being activated within the country. Destinations are redesigning its offerings and the latest being the prominent city of Gujarat.
Somnath Promenade and Exhibition Gallery in Somnath, which are among the components of the project developed under PRASHAD Scheme of Ministry of Tourism and Ahilyabai Mandir Parisar Renovation carried out by Shree Somnath Trust, was recently inaugurated Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 20th August 2021. He laid the Foundation Stone of Parvati Mata Mandir in Somnath, Gujarat through a Virtual Platform. The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) has been launched by the Ministry of Tourism with the objective of holistic development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations with a focus on the development of pilgrimage tourist destinations. Since its launch in January 2015 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 37 projects in 24 States with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 1214.18 Cr. and a total amount of Rs. 675.47 Cr. has been released for these projects from FY 2014-15 to FY 2018-19 and the current financial year as on date.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister was joined by Sh. Amit Shah (Home Minister and Co-operation Minister, GoI), Sh. Shripad Yesso Naik (Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, GoI), Sh. Ajay Bhatt (Minister of State for Tourism and Defence, GoI), Sh. Vijay Rupani (Chief Minister, Gujarat), Sh. Jawahar Chawda (Tourism Minister, Gujarat) , Shri Rajeshbhai Chudasama, Member of Parliament, Junagadh and Shri Pravin K Leheri, Trustee- Secretary, Shree Somnath Trust.
Located about 94 km from Junagadh, the Somnath Temple is said to have been originally built by the moon god with gold. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple is one of the most important spiritual sites in the Hindu circuit. Believed to be the first of the 12 jyotirlingas (devotional shrines of Lord Shiva) in the country, the temple sees a large footfall every year. In the month of November, the Kartik Purnima fair organised here attracts a large number of pilgrims.
