Bollywood artistes in Nepal to promote religious tourism

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 2: The Pashupati Area Development Trust has invited Indian politicians as well as Bollywood artists to Nepal to promote religious tourism and advance the country toward economic transformation

The PADT has invited Bollywood artists to visit the Pashupatinath Temple as part of the ‘Pashupati Darshan Campaign. ’

The campaign aims to attract 5 million religious tourists annually and fulfil the nation’s aspiration for prosperity.

Bollywood actress and model Preeti Jhangiani, along with artiste, model and director Parvin Dabas, have arrived in Nepal for the promotion and development of Pashupatinath Temple, religious tourism, and sports.

 According to Dr. Milan Kumar Thapa, the member secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, Jhangiani and Dabas aim to contribute to the promotion of Nepal’s religious tourism and sports development.

Dr. Thapa further added that they were invited to enhance the ancient economic, social, and cultural ties between the two countries and to promote religious tourism at the grassroots level.

Actress Jhangiani highlighted the importance of strengthening the religious and cultural ties between Nepal and India, encouraging visits to the Pashupatinath Temple, and introducing Nepal’s tourist destinations.

She said, “As India continues rapid economic growth, we also wish for Nepal to lay the foundation for prosperity. Nepal is an incredibly beautiful country with immense potential for development, and we want to inspire Nepal to move toward progress.”

Director Dabas suggested creating a conducive environment for visiting the Pashupatinath Temple to contribute to Nepal’s development and prosperity.

 He highlighted the need for infrastructure, transportation, hotels and restaurants to facilitate tourism. He said, “I would love to visit the districts near Pashupatinath Temple. For that, basic infrastructure is essential, and those structures must be improved.”

Actress Jhangiani, who is also the vice president of the Asian Federation of Armwrestling, announced that the ‘Pro-Panja’ league would be organised in Nepal.

 According to her, the Pro Panja league is set to take place in Nepal by November 2025.

She said, “The league has already been completed in India. Just like football and cricket, we are preparing to organise this competition to advance Nepali players in this sport.”

Dr. Thapa said that a favourable environment has been created for Indian pilgrims visiting Pashupatinath Temple to carry positive news about Nepal.

He said, “As the saying goes, ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (guests are like gods), visitors to Nepal will spread positive word-of-mouth, contributing to economic development. That is why politicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders from various sectors have been invited.”

Earlier, on February 12, Vishwajit Rane, Goa’s Minister for Health and Urban Development, donated 35 kg of sandalwood to the Pashupatinath Temple and pledged to provide sandalwood for the next five years.

Similarly, during the Dash Mahavidya Vishnu Sahasrakoti Yajna held in Mumbai from January 14 to 24, religious activist Swami Krishnanand Paramhansa invited India’s Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, to visit the Pashupatinath Temple. Minister Sonowal expressed his intention to visit the temple soon.

Ashok Singh Nepali, President of Nepal Civil Society India and a religious activist, emphasised the need for Nepal and India to initiate new collaborations in religious tourism to achieve economic prosperity.