Message
‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ endures as a common value between Nepal and India despite our other differences. This is also the foundation and motto of the professionals involved in the tourism sector.
Tourism reaches into the varied aspects of Nepalese life and its benefits are encompassed by diverse sectors directly and indirectly. It generates employment opportunities, helps in the promotion and conservation of the art and culture and has remained one of the sources of foreign currency, making a significant contribution to the economy.
Nepal and India have been connected through open borders since time immemorial. Bilateral relationships between Nepal and India have always remained unique and exemplary to the world due to free movement without any passport or visa. This relationship has been nurtured by common beliefs and mythologies in terms of cultural, religious and linguistic parameters based on our socio-economic frame including family relationships of our many people. Bi-lateral religious and spiritual tourism is one way to further enhance our connectivity.
I am delighted to mention here that keeping in view this unique relationship, Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) a 28+ year old, not-for-profit bi-national chamber between the two countries, has created a notable Coffee Table Book on Nepal-India Religious Circuits to make the religious trips of people of both countries better planned, and more meaningful, through outlining the descriptions, beliefs and mythologies about the five religious circuits – Buddhist Circuit, Shiva Shakti Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Mahabharat Circuit and Sikh Circuit, for which experts on the concerned circuits in both countries have contributed appreciably with photographs and maps to locate the sites in both countries. The dedicated website on the same will enhance mass publicity about the Circuits.
I believe that the initiative will be successful in its objective to promote bilateral religious tourism and bring the people of our two countries closer through the Coffee Table Book and Website. I, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal, would like to congratulate NICCI for bringing about this publication, and the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi for supporting the initiative. I express my pleasure to support this initiative of NICCI from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal.
Sudan Kirati
Minister, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation,
Government of Nepal
