Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for the diversification of Uttarakhand’s tourism sector, stressing that no season should be considered an “off-season.” Speaking at a public rally in Harsil, he emphasized the importance of promoting the state’s Winter Tourism Programme to make tourism a year-round activity, or “Barahmasi,” which means a 12-month feature.
“The tourism sector needs to be diversified. We need to make it ‘Barahmasi,’ 365 days. This is vital for Uttarakhand. I want no season to be off-season. Even during the off-season, tourism should continue in Uttarakhand,” PM Modi said.
He further noted that while tourists flock to Uttarakhand during the warmer months, the numbers drop significantly in winter, leaving hotels, resorts, and homestays empty. He encouraged people to visit the state during the winter to witness its beauty and glory.
PM Modi also reaffirmed his belief that the next decade will belong to Uttarakhand, a vision he shared after visiting Baba Kedarnath. He believes that the blessings of Baba Kedarnath are helping to turn this vision into reality.
“A few years ago, when I visited Baba Kedarnath, I said that this decade would be Uttarakhand’s. Those words were mine, but the strength behind them was given by Baba Kedarnath himself. With his blessings, those words are slowly turning into reality,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the state’s development, PM Modi spoke about various infrastructure projects under the ‘double-engine’ government, including the Kedarnath and Hemkund Ropeway Projects. He pointed out that the Kedarnath Ropeway will reduce the travel time from 8-9 hours to just 30 minutes, making the journey easier for the elderly and children.
Additionally, PM Modi extended his condolences to the victims of the avalanche that hit Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, expressing solidarity with the grieving families.
The Uttarakhand government has launched a Winter Tourism programme aimed at promoting religious tourism and boosting the local economy. Thousands of devotees have already visited the winter seats of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, contributing to the state’s growing tourism sector.
