DURGESH PARMAR
In a detailed conversation with Gomantak Times Digital, Director of Goa Tourism Department, Kedar Naik, shares insights into the department's 'Ekadasha Teertha Yatra' initiative.
From safeguarding temple traditions to enhancing infrastructure and promoting spiritual tourism, Naik outlines how the collaborative effort aims to preserve Goa’s sacred heritage while offering an immersive pilgrim experience.
Are all the individual temple committees on board to shape the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra plan? What will their roles be?
Yes, the department has been in active dialogue with all temple committees. Their role is pivotal, not just in guiding how each temple is represented, but in ensuring that the sanctity and traditions of each site are upheld.
We see this as a collaborative effort, where the temple committees lead the cultural and spiritual aspects, while the department facilitates infrastructural and visitor management support.
Have any concerns been raised by temple stakeholders regarding increased tourist footfalls during regular worship hours or festivals?
No, no such concerns have been raised by temple stakeholders.
While some are already accustomed to handling significant crowds, others, especially those in remote or ecologically sensitive locations, require phased upgrades.Kedar Naik, Director, Goa Tourism Department
Are all eleven temples equally equipped to handle large tourist groups, especially during peak pilgrimage times?
Each temple varies in terms of infrastructure. While some are already accustomed to handling significant crowds, others, especially those in remote or ecologically sensitive locations, require phased upgrades.
The department has undertaken a need-gap assessment and plans to implement improvements accordingly, without disturbing the original charm and integrity of the temple settings.
How will temple traditions and rituals be safeguarded from being overshadowed by commercial tourism?
This initiative is not about commercialisation; it is about spiritual tourism with cultural sensitivity.
Visitors will be educated about local customs, attire, and conduct through signage, trained guides, and curated materials. Tourism will function around the rhythm of temple life, not interrupt it.
GT: What are the SOPs in place to carry forward such a tourism initiative?
In the recent meeting held with the temple committees, committee members emphasised the importance of formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for visiting tourists. They also recommended that tourist itineraries be planned carefully during temple festivals and utsavs.
Accordingly, SOPs are being drafted in consultation with religious scholars, temple committees, tourism experts, and local authorities.
Do the committees feel that the proposed SOPs will ensure respectful behaviour and spiritual sensitivity from visitors?
Yes. Temple stakeholders will be part of the SOP drafting process. Their insights are shaping visitor guidelines that will respect local customs and create a spiritually conducive atmosphere.
Visitors will be educated about local customs, attire, and conduct through signage, trained guides, and curated materials. Tourism will function around the rhythm of temple life, not interrupt it.Kedar Naik, Director, Goa Tourism Department
What specific improvements in parking, crowd control, and visitor facilities are being planned to support this circuit?
Parking and traffic management emerged as key concerns during the recently held meeting, particularly when buses and large vehicles carrying tourists arrive at temple sites.
The committees urged the department to consider site-specific solutions to ensure smooth visitor movement and avoid congestion.
Will the Tourism Department provide funds or support for infrastructure upgrades around smaller, or more remote temples, like Tambdi Surla or Brahma Temple?
The proposed common facilities at temples like Shri Mahadev Temple or Shri Brahma Temple aim to enhance the overall visitor experience while ensuring accessibility, convenience, and cultural immersion.
Key features include a water channel at the entrance for feet ablution, dedicated chappal stands, a sound system for chanting of mantras to create ambience, and secure lockers for personal belongings.
The infrastructure will be made accessible for persons with disabilities (PwD), with wheelchairs, tiles for the visually impaired, and other necessary provisions for specially-abled individuals.
How will traffic management be handled in village areas where roads may be narrow or already congested?
Parking and traffic management emerged as another key concern during the recently held meeting, particularly when buses and large vehicles carrying tourists arrive at temple sites.
The committees urged the department to consider site-specific solutions to ensure smooth visitor movement and avoid congestion.
As part of this effort, a group of Uzbek influencers was recently taken to Shri Mangesh Temple, at Mangueshi, Ponda, offering them a first-hand spiritual experience and an opportunity to share Goa’s sacred heritage with their international audiences.Kedar Naik, Director, Goa Tourism Department
How does the Tourism Department plan to attract not just domestic pilgrims, but spiritual tourists from outside Goa or even abroad?
We aim to position the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra as a unique blend of spiritual and cultural immersion, deeply rooted in Goa’s living heritage. Promotion will be done through dedicated campaigns, participation in spiritual tourism expos, content partnerships with travel influencers, and visibility on spiritual travel platforms.
As part of this effort, a group of Uzbek influencers was recently taken to Shri Mangesh Temple, at Mangueshi, Ponda, offering them a first-hand spiritual experience and an opportunity to share Goa’s sacred heritage with their international audiences.
Will the circuit be promoted as part of Goa’s official tourism campaigns, or offered through tour operators and travel platforms?
Both. The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra will feature prominently in our domestic and international campaigns under the umbrella of 'Regenerative and Spiritual Tourism'. Travel agents will also play a key role in promoting the yatra and facilitating bookings, ensuring a seamless experience for pilgrims and spiritual travellers.
Are there plans to include cultural storytelling, local cuisine, or village crafts to make the circuit more immersive for tourists?
Absolutely. We believe spirituality extends beyond temple visits. The plan includes incorporating heritage storytelling, the offering of mahaprasad from the temple to deepen the devotional connect, and creating space for local artisans to exhibit traditional crafts.
This holistic experience not only enriches the visitor journey, but also uplifts local communities economically and culturally.