Latest news with #ThakurJaiveerSingh
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
UP eco-tourism push in Dudhwa aiding Tharu tribals
Lucknow: UP's plan to boost eco-tourism also involves the inclusion of local tribes and residents in the growth story. A notable example is the inclusion of Tharu tribals in Dudhwa, as highlighted in a meeting chaired by tourism and culture minister Thakur Jaiveer Singh. This approach seeks to ensure that the benefits of eco-tourism reach the local communities, fostering sustainable growth and cultural preservation. "Living in harmony with nature in villages along the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve , culturally rich Tharu tribals are known for their deeply rooted forest-based traditions, sustainable agriculture, and a close-knit community with unique traditions that include dress, jewellery, folk songs, and dance. Itineraries being made for Dudhwa have included interactions with these tribals so that the community benefits from the visitors," the minister told TOI. Officials said that the govt took initiatives to include local communities in tourism development in a big way. "While on one hand, the idea is to aid their economy, their role is also crucial to the conservation of the forest resource," said Prakhar Mishra, director of eco-tourism, UP. Stating that many Tharu families traditionally depended solely on small patches of agricultural land for sustenance, officials said the department was handholding them to develop homestays and run schemes like bed and breakfast. A preliminary study revealed that demand for experiential tourism was high in India. "Taking a cue from that, UP's eco-tourism thought of a model that benefits all — the locals, the state, and even the visitors. In specific reference to Tharus and Dudhwa, visitors can get a chance to feast on their traditional delicacies such as Dhikri made from rice, Patauta, and Ek Patiya Saag," Mishra said, adding, "The bonus is scores of big and small stories of living with nature and facing the big cat and other animals. " To further boost livelihoods and preserve traditional skills, initiatives like the Tharu Shilp Gram have been launched by the UP Eco-Tourism Board. Located near the tiger reserve, this craft village showcases handmade jute products created by Tharu artisans such as bags, mats, caps, decor and accessories — all made with techniques passed down through generations.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
With per pilgrim spend pegged at Rs 5.8k, Prayagraj Maha Kumbh contributed Rs 3.8 lakh crore to UP's economy: Survey
1 2 Lucknow: A single pilgrim who visited the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh spent an estimated Rs 5,877.63, revealed a survey commissioned by the union ministry of tourism and culture. The spending patterns showed that tourists allocated 41.11% of their expenses to travel, 16.64% to accommodation, 11.24% to food, 11.08% to religious items, 2.13% to entertainment, 7.42% to shopping, and 10.38% to other miscellaneous heads. Considering that the Maha Kumbh recorded a footfall of 66 crore, the figure translates into a hefty Rs 3.88 lakh crore. Reacting to the findings, the minister for tourism and culture, Thakur Jaiveer Singh, said: "It is evident that the Maha Kumbh contributed immensely to the state's economy." Titled 'Maha Kumbh Spiritual Survey–2025', the exercise interviewed 3,52,388 pilgrims from across different parts of the world to draw conclusions. The survey exercise was conducted between Jan 28 and Feb 26, 2025, at various locations in Prayagraj, including Teliarganj, Jhunsi, Arail, and Parade Ground. Of the total, 1,093 participants hailed from foreign countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Nepal, Australia, and Fiji. The survey was anchored by Deloitte and aided by the All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG). The survey revealed that pilgrims visited Ayodhya and Varanasi during the Maha Kumbh, and the holy trinity of Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Varanasi were termed as the top spiritual tourist destinations among both domestic and international visitors. "It was interesting to note that among previous visits, 27.32% of respondents last visited Ayodhya, 22.68% visited Sangam in Prayagraj, and 8.81% visited Varanasi. Also, for future visits, 32.57% preferred Sangam, 12.46% Ayodhya, and 7.46% Varanasi. In terms of overall favourite destinations, 22.55% chose Ayodhya, 19.96% chose Sangam, and 12.72% chose Varanasi," said officials concerned. They said the survey also shed light on visitor preferences for travelling solo or with family. The findings showed that while domestic tourists often travelled with family, foreign travellers preferred travelling alone. "About 40% of Indian tourists visited with family, 30.88% alone, and 29.13% with friends. Among foreign tourists, 55.26% travelled alone, 24.43% with family, and 20.31% with friends," they said. Tourism principal secretary Mukesh Meshram said, "The findings would be studied in detail by departmental experts, and the learnings from it would be tweaked in future planning."
