Varanasi, 16 May (HS). Kashi city has always been a center of attraction for foreign tourists. The curiosity to know religion, spirituality and culture draws foreign tourists from across the seven seas to Kashi. After the expansion of the newly grand Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the attraction of the Dham is increasing in foreign countries also. As a result of which the number of foreign devotees coming to the court has increased. Devotees from 139 countries have attended Baba's court in the last two years.
-Kashi kept the distinct culture and traditions alive
Kashi has also got the status of ancient living city from history. European writer and litterateur Mark Twain, fascinated by the stories and spiritual tradition of Kashi, has written that Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older than legends and if we compare all these together, then their combined age is also Gives the impression of being twice as old. Kashi, which has preserved heritage and heritage for centuries, has kept its distinct culture and traditions alive. This curiosity of Kashi attracts foreign tourists.
-Four times increase in the number of foreign tourists
A large number of foreign tourists also come to visit Srikashi Vishwanath. Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, Chief Executive Officer of Srikashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, said that in about 25 months after the inauguration of the Dham, devotees from 139 countries have attended Baba's court. At the same time, if we talk about numerical figures, then in comparison to the year 2019, the number of foreign tourists visiting Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the year 2023 alone has increased by more than four times.
-These foreign tourists are not included in the figures
It is noteworthy here that many non-Sanatan followers come to Kashi, but do not go to the temple for darshan. Therefore, in the data provided by the CEO of Srikashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, the count of such tourists is not included in this number. Similarly, a large number of foreign tourists on the Buddhist circuit via Sarnath are also not included in this number. Foreign practitioners of these teachings who directly reach the big ashrams and meditation places of Tantra, Shakta, Kriya Yoga, Jainism and Aghorpanth are also not included in this figure.
Tourism increased in Kashi due to connectivity, security and infrastructure.
Good connectivity of Kashi with the world, security, increased facilities due to improvement in infrastructure have further increased the interest of tourists in Kashi. Foreign tourists not only come to see the temples, heritage and culture of Kashi but also come to live Kashi. Foreign tourists also stay in Kashi for several days to learn Hindi, Sanskrit, music and mantras.