The Ministry of Tourism’s Northern Regional Office launched the 2nd Mahabharat Circuit Conference and Familiarization (FAM) Tour on November 4, 2024, at Karna Lake Banquet in Karnal, Haryana. Inaugurated by Dr. Arvind Sharma, Minister of Heritage & Tourism, Government of Haryana, the two-day event highlights Kurukshetra’s historical and spiritual significance, aiming to boost cultural heritage tourism connected to the Mahabharata epic.
Building on the success of the inaugural Mahabharat Circuit Conference held in January 2024, this second conference has drawn a diverse gathering of tourism stakeholders, including historians, media professionals, scholars, and travel industry leaders. The event seeks to promote destinations related to the Mahabharata, with Kurukshetra – the epic’s battleground and a city with deep spiritual resonance – as the focal point.
Distinguished figures attending the conference included Dr. Sunil Kumar, Managing Director of Haryana Tourism Corporation; Dr. R.K. Suman, Regional Director (North), Ministry of Tourism; Mohan Gaurchandra Prabhu, Vice President of ISKCON; PP Khanna, former President of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI); and Manbeer Choudhary, former President of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). Altogether, the conference attracted 170 tourism professionals, from tour operators and travel agents to hoteliers, influencers, and media.
The sessions addressed critical aspects of tourism infrastructure, accommodations, and amenities, with a particular emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism. Discussions underscored the importance of involving local communities, improving tourist facilities, and training service providers to ensure a high-quality, authentic experience for visitors. The conference aims to enhance Kurukshetra’s visibility as a significant heritage tourism site, balancing cultural appreciation with sustainable practices.
Kurukshetra’s deep-rooted connection to the Mahabharata makes it a location of unique cultural importance. “Mahabharat is not just an epic but a way of life,” emphasized conference speakers, reflecting on Kurukshetra’s pivotal place in Indian heritage. Through immersive sessions and guided site visits, the event shines a spotlight on this ancient city’s wealth of historical and spiritual landmarks, inviting both domestic and international tourists to experience its legacy firsthand.
On November 5, 2024, attendees will participate in a FAM Tour to explore Kurukshetra’s attractions, including Brahm Sarovar, the Sri Krishna Museum, the Science Museum & Panorama, Sanhit Sarovar, Birla Mandir, and the ISKCON Temple. Excursions will also visit sacred sites such as Bhishm Kund, Jyotisar – where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita – and the Sri Devi Koop Bhadra Kali Shaktipeeth Temple, among others. By familiarizing stakeholders with these destinations, the tour aims to enrich their understanding and advocacy of Kurukshetra as a premier cultural tourism destination.
The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Arvind Sharma, Minister of Heritage & Tourism, Govt. of Haryana, at Karna Lake Banquet in Karnal. Key figures from the tourism industry, including Dr. Sunil Kumar, Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation, and representatives from ISKCON, ADTOI, and FHRAI, participated in discussions on enhancing infrastructure, accommodations, and tourist amenities. Emphasis was placed on sustainable tourism, involving local communities, and providing training for service providers to enrich the visitor experience in Kurukshetra.
