Abstract
Tourism is a major engine of economic growth in the world. In ancient times, travelers travelled from one country to another country or one region to another region in order to spread religion or for gaining knowledge about religion. Travelers or tourists travelling for religion or spiritual purposes are called religious tourists or pilgrimage tourists and that's where religious tourism developed. Pilgrims or devotees are sometimes seen travelling over long distances in the hope of gaining virtue. All over the world there are many religious spots like Hajj in Mecca, Church in Jerusalem, and four Dhams of India, etc. Malda, one of the most underdeveloped districts of West Bengal, has religious tourism potential. There is a saying, ‘First is Medina and then is Adina'. Apart from this, Ramkeli Village, and many Buddhist temples and Bihara are located there. Devotees of both the Hindu and Muslim faiths perform Puja at Jahuratala temple. This chapter is an attempt to analyse the pilgrimage tourist potential as well as the status of the pilgrimage tourism of Malda district.
TopObjectives
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To identify the potentials and prospects of pilgrimage tourism.
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To identify the economic impacts of pilgrimage.
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To identify the socio-cultural impacts of pilgrimage tourism.
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To identify the present status of Pilgrimage tourism.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Dham: Dham means abode or seat of God. In India, four pious spots, i.e., Dhams, are scattered in four different directions. Like- Badrinath in north, Rameswaram in south, Puri in east and Dwarka in west.
Fathiha: The death anniversary of Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal is known as Fathiha.
PPP Model: PPP model is called public-private partnership Model. It is a partnership between the public sector and the private sector for the purpose to deliver a project. This model are being used to finance, build and operate different types of transportation infrastructure. PPP model is also played a vital role to develop tourism sector of a region.
Hariya: One type of drink prepared by local tribal people and they drink on particular festival.
Krishnakeli: Ramkeli village of English Bazar is also called Krishnakeli. This name is mentioned in Chaitanya Mongol.
Religious Tourism: On the basis of different religious sites, this tourism has been developed. In eighth century A.D. Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka, etc. are the important religious spots in India.
Miharab: A symbolic architectural focal point or niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca (qibla), which Muslim pilgrims face when praying.
Vaishnava: Disciple of Lord Shree Chaitanya is called Vaishnava.
Urs: The death anniversary of Saint Shaikh Akhi Sirajuddin Usman who locally known as Purana Pir (or Old Saint) is called Urs .
Mango City: Malda is called Mango city due to its large variety and quantity of mango production.
Gupto Brindaban: Ramkeli village is called Gupto Brindaban. The great religious reformer of Bengal Sree Chaitanya arrived this village and took rest under a Tamal tree on Jaistha Sankranti on his way to Brindaban.
Tourist Police: To develop the tourism sector, tourist police is very much essential where security of tourist is under threat.
Gambhira Folk Drama: Lord Shiva is mainly worshipped in Gambhira festival. The festival has two important parts. First part includes worship of Lord Shiva following some rituals whereas the second part includes songs and dance with dramatic performances. This festival runs for 4 or 7 days and ends on Chaitra Sankrantri through Charak Puja . It is a famous folk songs of the study area which reflects the socio-cultural status of people.
Madol: One type of musical instrument used by Tribal people when they perform song and dance.