The state abounds with stories of Ram, Laxman and Sita living in exile in the forests of Chhattisgarh and this project is expected to boost global tourism opportunities as well
It is activities galore at Chandkhuri city in Chhattisgarh, where the first phase of the Ram Van Gaman tourism circuit project marked by a three-day grand event during the Nvratri festival, was inaugurated by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. He unveiled the 51-feet-tall statue of Lord Ram, here which is considered the nanihal (mother’s birth home) of Lord Ram. A light and fire show in the backdrop on the occasion, a laser show and LED mapping highlighting the story of Lord Ram and his exile in Chhattisgarh, made the whole affair grand. This tourism circuit, will connect devotees with spiritual mementos related to Lord Ram from Koriya district to Sukma.
Through this tourism circuit, devotees would be able to experience the spiritual mementos related to Lord Ram. At a cost of ₹133.55 crore, Sitamarhi Harchauka (Koriya), Ramgarh (Sarguja), Shivrinarayan (Janjgir-Champa), Turturiya (Balodabazar), Chandkhuri (Raipur), Rajim (Gariyaband), Sihawa Saptarishi Ashram (Dhamtari), Jagdalpur (Bastar), and Ramaram (Sukma) are being developed under the project. The state abounds with stories of Ram, Laxman and Sita living in exile in the forests of Chhattisgarh and this project is expected to boost global tourism opportunities as well. During his 14 years of exile, Lord Ram is said to have traversed through Sitamadhi-Harchowka, Ramgarh, Shivrinarayan, Turturiya, Chandkhuri, Rajim, Sihawa, Jagdalpur and Ramaram.
Special efforts are being made to preserve the tribal culture of the Bastar region with the development of Ghotul and Devgudis, the Buddhist site in Sirpur too is being maintained while the 5000-year old ancient theater in Ramgarh of Sarguja is being promoted at a global level and the city of Goddess Bamleshwari, Dongargarh, is getting beautified
Beautification of the pond, where the 51-feet-tall statue stands, construction of attractive pathways, and plantations are underway. The main centres of attraction are Goddess Lakshmi pressing the feet of Lord Vishnu on the Sheshnag bed, and the sculpture depicting ‘Samudra Manthan’. As domestic tourism is getting promoted due to the pandemic, Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit may emerge as a major tourist destination, it is felt.
Lord Ram is omnipresent in Chhattisgarh, the divine influence leaving a deep impact on the lifestyle, folk culture and folk songs of the region. In fact Lord Ram is worshipped here in the form of Mata Kaushalya’s Ram, Bhancha Ram, Vanvasi Ram, Shabri’s affectionate and kind Ram. The elaborately planned programme will see artists of national and international repute besides local artists of Chhattisgarh performing. Special efforts are being made to preserve the tribal culture of the Bastar region with the development of Ghotul and Devgudis, the Buddhist site in Sirpur too is being maintained while the 5000-year old ancient theater in Ramgarh of Sarguja is being promoted at a global level and the city of Goddess Bamleshwari, Dongargarh, is getting beautified.
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