Chirag Gupta
Patna: The Bihar government has announced plans to celebrate Chhath Mahaparva as a tourism festival, with preparations already in full swing. Tourism Minister Nitish Mishra revealed that special tour packages for foreign tourists have been prepared, alongside efforts to promote Bihar’s cultural significance through tourism. The government is also executing tourism development projects worth Rs 510 crore.
Minister Mishra noted that last year, 5.46 lakh foreign tourists visited Bihar, and by July 2024, 2.67 lakh tourists had already arrived. With the ongoing Pitru Paksha Mela in Gaya attracting devotees from both India and abroad, the minister emphasized the importance of enhancing facilities for visitors. He also highlighted that Bihar’s historical, religious, and cultural sites hold a unique place on the global tourism map.
Additionally, Mishra mentioned that the government is actively working on the development of key tourist sites, including the birthplace of Mata Janaki. A total of 50 acres of land is being acquired for this project, with tourism development plans worth Rs 135 crore also set to begin soon.
Secretary of Tourism Lokesh Kumar Singh shared details about upcoming initiatives, including a social media influencer competition and the “Mera Block Mera Gaurav” campaign aimed at promoting tourist spots in every block of Bihar. Singh also outlined the state’s tourism policy, which offers direct capital subsidies for entrepreneurs in 18 different schemes.
