The Himachal Pradesh government has approved Rs 550 crore to conserve the state’s heritage by modernising religious sites and improving facilities for devotees.
“Nearly Rs 50 crore has been approved for the restoration of ancient temples, forts and archaeological sites. Around Rs 37 crore has been sanctioned for development works in temples,” a government spokesperson stated. He added that Rs 56.26 crore has been sanctioned for Chintpurni Temple to promote religious tourism, and a grand complex is currently under construction there.
“Further, Rs 100 crore each has been approved for the development of Shree Jwalaji and Shree Naina Devi temples,” he said.
The spokesperson also highlighted the introduction of the SUGAM Darshan system at Shree Chintpurni Temple in August 2023 to make visits easier for pilgrims. Special facilities are being provided for the elderly and differently-abled individuals. Priests are also receiving special training to uphold the sanctity of rituals. Recently, 15 priests from Chintpurni Temple and 10 from Naina Devi Temple completed online training through Banaras Hindu University, with more to follow. Financial support has also been extended to other cultural and religious institutions.
He added that the restoration of historic Bantony Castle in Shimla has been a landmark achievement. “Inaugurated in September 2023, it now houses a light-and-sound show and will soon include a digital museum. Around Rs 25 crore has been sanctioned for the project. The complex also promotes local crafts and cuisine through ‘Pahari Aangan’ stalls on the lines of Delhi Haat,” he said.
“These measures are not only preserving heritage but also turning temples and cultural sites into vibrant centres of tradition and modernity,” he concluded.
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