"Reflection of India": CM Rekha Gupta aims to boost spiritual, religious tourism in Delhi
New Delhi, August 11
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced that the Delhi government is committed to showcasing the national capital as a premier destination for religious and spiritual tourism, moving beyond its traditional image as a mere transit point for travellers.
Addressing the 'Spiritual and Heritage Tourism Conclave 2026' in New Delhi, the Chief Minister described the city as a "microcosm" of the entire country, where the traditions and cultures of every state converge.
"The current Delhi government wants to showcase the city to the country and the world. We specifically aim to boost religious and spiritual tourism here. We all know that people often treat Delhi merely as a transit point. However, through this platform, I want to tell the people of the entire country that Delhi is a reflection of India--a microcosm where the essence of the whole nation is visible," CM Gupta said.
The Chief Minister highlighted Delhi's unique social fabric, noting that the city serves as a home to people from every corner of India, fostering an environment of communal harmony.
"It is home to people and traditions from every state. Festivals celebrated across different regions--whether it is Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, or Assam--are all celebrated here in Delhi. There is hardly a state whose people do not reside here. That is the beauty of Delhi: people live together in harmony and affection, celebrating each other's festivals and enjoying each other's cuisines," she added.
Gupta emphasised that the government's tourism strategy involves highlighting both the historical and the soulful aspects of the city to attract domestic and international visitors.
"Our goal is for people from across the country and the world to come and experience this beauty, not just our historical significance, but also the unique spiritual aura that Delhi possesses," she said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who visited Delhi last winter, I have to say - this is exactly what we need. The city's spiritual side is underrated. From the quiet calm of Lodhi Garden to the magnificent Akshardham temple, there's a different kind of peace here that you don't find in other capitals. Hope this initiative makes these places more accessible to tourists.
I appreciate the sentiment but we need to see concrete plans, not just slogans. Infrastructure, clean streets, better signage at heritage sites, affordable transport - these are the things that actually make tourism work. Also, let's not forget to involve local communities and guide training programs. Otherwise, this is just another press conference for the photo op.
As a lifelong Delhite, I'm truly excited about this! The Chief Minister is right - we have Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid, and all the beautiful havelis in the old city. Plus during festivals like Diwali or Holi, the city shows its true colors. It's about time we stop being just a layover for people - we are a complete destination! 🪷✨
Good initiative, but will this actually translate to better infrastructure? I've visited Delhi many times and while the spiritual sites are amazing, the roads around them are often congested and unsafe for pedestrians. Let's see how this pans out in terms of actual visitor experience improvements.
I hope this also means better maintenance of our gurudwaras, temples, and churches. The divinity is there but the upkeep needs attention. And yes, let
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