Ram Van Gaman Path tourist circuit to be launched tomorrow

Team L&M

Chhattisgarh is all set to launch its ambitious ‘Ram Van Gaman Path Tourist Circuit’ project tomorrow on the occasion of the first day of Navaratri, October 7.

Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita spent a major part of their life in exile in the forests of Chhattisgarh. This is the place where Ram became Maryada Purushotam Ram. Chhattisgarh also happens to be the nanihal (mother’s birth home) of Lord Ram – his mother Kaushalya belongs to this place. No wonder, stories and songs inspired by Lord Ram have been narrated and sung in communities here since generations.

Jogimara Caves, Ramgarh. Pic credit: cfor36garh

“To preserve the memories linked to Lord Ram and Mata Kaushalya , the government has envisioned this project where the devotees and tourists will be able to feel the essence of divinity with every step they take on Ram Van Path Gaman Tourism Circuit,” says state Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

In the first phase of this project, nine spots that fall on the forested route that Shri Ram traversed will be developed. These sites are:  Sitamarhi- Harchowka, Ramgarh, Shivrinarayan, Turturiya, Chandkhuri, Rajim, Sihawa, Jagdalpur and Ramaram.

Chitrakot Falls, Jagdalpur. Pic: Courtesy, Jeet Singh Arya

“Our priority is to develop the identified sites of the Ram Van Gaman Path into prime tourist spots. Keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic, special efforts have been made to motivate tourists towards domestic tourism and the Ram Van Gaman Path will be an immersive experience for them”, says Yashwant Kumar, Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board.

Rajim Temple, Gariaband district. Pic credit: cfor36garh

The Navratri celebration this year will begin at the ancient Kaushalya Mata Mandir, located in Chandkhuri village, about 25 km from Raipur. The celebrations will be a visual spectacle combining music, dance, a laser show and LED mapping highlighting the story of Lord Ram and his exile in Chhattisgarh. In a bid to attract the domestic as well as international tourist, the state government plans to make this an annual event.