category Regional, shimla, , tags Regional, shimla, , DW BUREAU shimla The first religious circuit bus was launched from Dharamshala to Chintpurni-Jawalamukhi by Managing Director Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) Rohan Thakur and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kangra, Nipun Jinal on Saturday. Routes of religious destinations would be redesigned and 100 such routes would be identified for running the HRTC buses under the darshan scheme, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri had stated on Tuesday. Another bus service from Chintpurni Mata to Khatushyam in Rajasthan would be started on October 23, Thakur told PTI, and added that buses would be plying in more such routes in the coming days. We are working on two strategies, to start new routes and publicise old existing routes like Shimla to Amritsar, Shimla to Chintpurni and Shimla to Hatkoti temple. Over 1.5 crore people visit Chintpurni and Jawalamukhi temples every year and the idea is to provide a comfortable and affordable travel, he added. The bus service would start from Dharamshala at 8 am, reach Chintpurni Mata Temple at 10:30 am, Jawalamukhi Temple at 2 pm and will be back to Dharamshala at 5:30 pm. The booking window was opened on Thursday. The day-long tour in the 3X2 AC bus would cost Rs 400 per person and would facilitate darshan in Jawalamukhi and sugam darshan at Chintpurni. Under the Sugam Darshan Pranali, a pass is issued to a person for Rs 220 for VIP darshan, which implies they don t have to stand in the queue for darshan. A maximum of 500 such passes are issued in a day. Himachal is abode to a large number of ancient temples, five shakti peethas, including Chintpurni, Barjeshwari Mata, Chamunda Devi, Naina Devi and Jawalamukhi Maha Shaktipeeth. Lakhs of devotees visit these religious places round the year. Religious tourism, an integral facet of the broader tourism industry, encompasses a spectrum of travel experiences driven by spiritual and faith-based motivations. It revolves around the exploration of sacred sites, pilgrimage destinations, and religious landmarks, catering to the devout seeking spiritual solace, enlightenment, or a profound connection with their faith. Across diverse cultures and geographical landscapes, religious tourism weaves a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and architectural marvels, fostering a profound understanding of religious traditions and their impact on society. From the awe-inspiring grandeur of ancient temples, mosques, and churches to the serene sanctuaries nestled amidst natural wonders, religious tourism embarks on a transformative journey, inviting travelers to delve into the depths of their beliefs while embracing the cultural diversity and spiritual heritage of destinations worldwide. It serves as a conduit for interfaith dialogue, fostering mutual respect, and promoting a global exchange of ideas, rituals, and values, transcending boundaries and fostering a shared human experience rooted in the universal quest for spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment. Moreover, religious tourism contributes significantly to local economies, bolstering infrastructure development, promoting cultural preservation, and nurturing a sense of communal pride as communities embrace their roles as custodians of sacred spaces, perpetuating a legacy of faith that transcends generations and fosters a sense of unity among pilgrims and travelers alike. (editor dailyworld.in)