Rural Tourism Festival and Discussion Session (ग्रामीण पर्यटन उत्सव एवं संवाद सत्र) on the theme ‘Deshaj Darshan’ देशज दर्शन was organized by Paryatan Vikas Welfare Society in association with Shree Krishnayan Samiti and on the occasion of National Tourism Day i.e. 24th and 25th January 2024 in Adarsh Gaushala, Gwalior. This was the third edition of Rural Tourism Festival in Adarsh Gaushala since its inception. The overarching message was holistic development and ‘Vocal for Local’ and the overriding focus was on indigenous constituents of lifestyle such as health, family, rituals, food, hymns, livelihood, economy, entertainment etc. brings intimacy among them.
In the two-day dialogue session (Deshaj Darshan Samvaad Satra) and festival program organized on the occasion of National Tourism Day based on indigenous philosophy, various important topics were discussed and various rural and cultural activities like cow worship, village worship, gaushala walk, rural sports, glimpse of rural life, folk art, cultural presentations, saint and guest interactions, rural food, exhibitions of rural products were conducted. More than 350 participants from various states including academicians, researchers, students, experts, entrepreneurs, gau sevaks, social workers, media persons etc. from tourism, rural, commerce, management, literature, agriculture, art and music faculty participated.
India is a sage and agricultural centric (Rishi & Krushi Samskruti) country where almost 70 percent of the population still lives in rural areas and their livelihood depends on farming and other interrelated works. India believes in the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam‘ i.e. the whole world is one family and the life style of its people is also agriculture based. This is reflected in the folk traditions, hymns, food, and festivals which are largely agriculture centric. We pray daily for the world peace ‘Vishwa Shanti’. Those people who migrated to metropolitan cities years ago due to compulsion or greed are being deprived of enjoying this real India. The program, launched Post-pandemic, emphasizes the Back to Basics: Post-Pandemic Wellness through Nurturing Nature, Delighting in Indian Culture, and Community-Based Sustainable Earning & Cow-Centric Farming
Adarsh Gaushala has become a laboratory (Prayogshala) of continuous innovation, a Public awareness Center (Jan-Jagranshala) for environmental protection, a fun house (Anandshala) for cultural and family festivals and a training school (Prashikshanshala) for healthy living and personality development.
This model of Rural Tourism is gaining recognition and acceptance as Gauseva Tourism, Gauchar Tourism, Agri Tourism, Tourism, Kamdhenu Tourism, Kamdhenu Paryatan, Cow Tourism, Cow Therapy Tourism and Gaushala Paryatan among society and tourism academia.
To promote Tourism Products of India and its culture, Govt. of India along with other state tourism departments celebrate the National Tourism Day on 25th January. On this occasion, various programs and activities oragnsied at the various level.
To continue the spirit of Rural Tourism Festival 2022 and Rural Tourism Festival 2023, Swami Rishabhdevanand Ji and Dr. Ankit Agrawal from Paryatan Vikas Welfare Society brainstormed on the concept to sketch out the blueprint with core team and student volunteers.
ADARSH GAUSHALA It is located in Lal Tipara Village, near Morar, a suburb of Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh). Started around 14 years ago, Adarsh Gaushala is claimed as one of the biggest Gaushala of Madhya Pradesh which is managed by Gwalior Municipal Corporation. See blog post on Heritage Walk in Gaushala
Cultural Programs demonstrated rural and indigenous lifestyles belonging to the region were showcased to all the participants in an authentic embodiment of the theme Deshaj Darshan.
Activities Involved in the Event
1. Traditional Welcome of the Visitors
2. Gaupujan
3. Walk Tour of Gaushala
– Blocks of cows including dairy cattle block, calf block, etc.
– Herbal Park
– Kargil Memorial
– CBG Park (Bio-CNG plant)
– Cow dung briquettes
– Forestation sector (upvan)
– Sustainable Housing
– Meditation Hall (Dhyan Kendra)
– Community Kitchen (Saanjha Choolha)
4. Demonstration of Rural Lifestyle
– Scare crow
– Traditional sitting (baithak) of Agricultural waste
– Bullock cart
– Set up of Shri Ram Mandir and his idol Green selfie point
5. Rural Games
Gaushala Walk
Cultural Performances
SPECIAL GUESTS
VOLUNTEERS
Students of Jiwaji University, IITTM, Vikrant University and volunteers of Sanskar Bharati, Bhopal have volunteered us sincerely to make this event successful..
PROGRAMME SUPPORTERS
Program Supporters Jiwaji University, IITTM, IHM Gwalior, Madhav Mahavidyalay, Prestige Institute, IPS College, Vikrant University, etc. joined the event as the knowledge partner. The program had been supported by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, India Tourism Mumbai, Gwalior Management Association, Sanskar Bharti, Suprayas, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Kreeda Bharati, Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agriculture University, MKSSKS, Research Forum India, Haritika, Deeksha Foundation, Ragini Foundation, GCCI, and Swayam Siddha.
Stalls
PROGRAM SUPPORTERS
The event was organized in partnership with India Tourism Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. It received sponsorship from IITTM, Vikrant University, IHM Gwalior, and Nirman IAS. The Rural Tourism Festival’s success was further supported by Sorted Square, and Gwalior Official.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENTS
