Reading Time: 2 minutes
At the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Session in Delhi, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board highlighted the state’s rich heritage. The 11-day event saw participation from over 2000 delegates representing 195 countries, focusing on nominating new sites for the UNESCO World Heritage List and discussing conservation efforts. Madhya Pradesh aims to elevate its 11 tentative heritage sites, including Gwalior Fort, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Satpura Tiger Reserve, to the prestigious World Heritage status. The state is already home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Khajuraho, Bhimbetka, and Sanchi Stupa.
Madhya Pradesh to Enhance Pilgrimage Sites
Madhya Pradesh is set to enhance religious tourism by developing sites linked to Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, during a Culture and Tourism Department review meeting, directed the construction of welcome gates dedicated to these deities at Bhopal’s entry points. The government plans to identify and transform significant locations associated with Lord Ram and Lord Krishna into major religious destinations. Additionally, gates dedicated to Raja Bhoj and Vikramaditya will be constructed at state boundaries to promote cultural and religious heritage.
Ujjain Celebrates Shahi Sawari of Lord Mahakal
On July 22, 2024, Ujjain, known as Mahakal Nagri, celebrated the first Shahi Sawari of Lord Mahakal, marking the first Shravan Somwar of the year. The festivities began on July 21 with Lord Mahakaleshwar blessing devotees as Shri Manimahesh. The grand procession, which commenced with a ritualistic puja at the Sabha Mandap of the Mahakal Temple, saw the deity carried through the city in a palanquin and immersed at Ramghat. Traditional bhajan groups, drum troupes, and tribal artists from the Madhya Pradesh Culture Council, including Bhagoria dancers, participated in the event.
Sakhi Squads Enhance Women Tourist Safety in Indore
To boost safety and increase the number of women tourists in Indore, over 300 trained women have joined the new “Sakhi Squads” in various hospitality roles. These Sakhis, from remote areas of Indore, assist tourists at locations like Patalpani, Choral, Indore, and Omkareshwar, simultaneously bolstering local employment. The “Safe Tourism Destination for Women” project aims to create women-friendly tourist destinations, with over 7,500 women trained for 48 job roles across eight sectors, aiming for a total of 10,000.
Madhya Pradesh Expands Tiger Reserves
Madhya Pradesh has expanded its tiger reserve network with the addition of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, making it the state’s eighth tiger reserve. Ratapani currently houses 56 tigers, 70 leopards, and a diverse wildlife population of 3,123 animals. This new reserve is expected to boost tourism, enhance the local economy, and create new employment opportunities.
Pachmarhi Marathon 2024 Draws Adventure Enthusiasts
The 6th Edition of the Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon, held on July 21, 2024, was a notable success. Over 650 runners participated out of the 1000-entry cap, enjoying a marathon route that seamlessly blended adventure with the natural beauty of Pachmarhi’s landscape.
The post Madhya Pradesh Highlights Heritage Sites at UNESCO Meeting in Delhi appeared first on Travel And Tour World.