Chamba’s spiritual glory deserves a place on religious tourism map: Pathania

In a strong pitch to spotlight Chamba’s rich spiritual and architectural legacy, Himachal Pradesh Assembly member Kewal Singh Pathania has called for the inclusion of the district’s ancient temples and pilgrimage sites in the state’s official religious tourism circuit.

Speaking after offering prayers at the Goddess Kali Temple at Dham Ghodi in Koonr panchayat of Bharmour subdivision on Sunday evening, Pathania emphasised the region’s untapped potential as a major devotional tourism hub.

“Chamba is home to centuries-old temples like the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple and the sacred Manimahesh Lake — which are not only religiously revered but also culturally invaluable,” said Pathania. “Manimahesh alone drew nearly 8 lakh pilgrims last year. These destinations deserve to be prominently featured in Himachal’s religious tourism map.”

He asserted that integrating Chamba’s revered sites into a broader tourism development framework would help preserve the area’s ancient heritage while also boosting the local economy through increased pilgrim and tourist footfall.

Pathania urged the state government and the tourism department to formulate a concrete action plan to enhance infrastructure, improve road connectivity and promote Chamba’s spiritual destinations at the national level.

Devp announcements

for Koonr region

While addressing public grievances in Koonr village, Pathania also announced key developmental initiatives, including Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned and released for the construction of a new building for the Government Senior Secondary School, Koonr. All necessary formalities have been completed and officials have been directed to begin construction work at the earliest.

He highlighted the upgradation of the 5-km Chhatrari-Koonr link road, which will improve transportation and access for local residents.

Additionally, under PMGSY-IV, a detailed project report (DPR) worth Rs 7 crore has been prepared for a 4.5-km road from Galthan to Mahasu. The proposal has been submitted to the Central government for approval.

These announcements underscore Pathania’s continued focus on regional connectivity, education and tourism-based development.

Himachal Tribune