Pilgrimage bookings from Gujarat decline by 20%
Ahmedabad: The summer sun usually signals a bustling season for pilgrimage tours in Ahmedabad, with tour operators and private bus companies gearing up for a surge in demand. Traditionally, the spiritual journey begins with the revered Char Dham Yatra, followed by expeditions to Kailash Mansarovar, and later to the holy cities of Ayodhya and Kashi.
However, this year, an unexpected chill has settled over the pilgrimage circuit, as a confluence of unfavourable weather and escalating cross-border tensions has significantly dampened the spirits of potential travellers. Tour operators are reporting a notable 20% drop in pilgrimage tour bookings from Gujarat, a stark departure from the usual vibrant scene.
Adding to the woes are logistical hurdles that have further complicated travel plans.
The Uttarakhand govt's new mandate for compulsory Aadhaar-based authentication for the Char Dham Yatra has introduced a layer of complexity for pilgrims. Last year's experiences of heavy rainfall and disruptive landslides are also fresh in the minds of travellers, making them hesitant to embark on long journeys. "Rain and landslides, coupled with stringent traffic control measures, led to disruptions.
Aadhaar card linkages sought for compliance issues take place in a big way, which resulted in hesitation among potential pilgrims.
Due to this, inquiries are less. Scores of buses typically depart from Gujarat for the Char Dham pilgrimage during summer, but the scenario is different this year," explained Manish Sharma, a seasoned travel industry expert.
Concerns about recent Indo-Pak border tensions, uncertainty regarding a new Covid variant, and significant travel expenditures on the Kumbh Mela earlier this year are all cited by operators in the city as causes for a reduced uptake.
"The seasonal business is down by at least 20% this time around. We have some inquiries, but none are confirmed. Now the bookings for Kailash Mansarovar will begin and later around Oct, those for Kashi and Ayodhya.
However, the scenario will be uncertain till inquiries get converted into final bookings," said Mahesh Dudakiya, owner of another travel firm.
Sharma also said, "The response of tourists is largely driven by concerns after the Pahalgam episode. Even though interest in the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage remains high, concrete bookings have yet to materialise in significant numbers." Travel industry sources also said that a sustained shortage of helicopter services, specifically for Kedar Nath — a shrine requiring a challenging 16-km trek, pony ride, or palanquin — further deterred senior citizens, who make up a large segment of pilgrimage participants.
The industry now turns its hopes to travel demand bouncing back during the Diwali period.
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