INDIA. Delhi: The Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series held its 85th webinar titled “Khajuraho-Temples of Architectural Splendour.” India a land resounds with the riches and glories of opulent dynasties, powerful rulers, flourishing civilisations, and profound history. India has a splendid heritage that is reflected in its architecture, monuments, arts, crafts & cultures. The forts, ancient temples, monuments, grand palaces, etc. testifies the grandeur of a time gone by and it acts as inventories of India’s seamless past. The magnificence of the structures in the country identified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO has among them one architectural marvel and that is the temples of Khajuraho. Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
The webinar was presented by Shri Anurag Shukla, a Regional Level Guide with expertise in Khajuraho temple art, architecture, and iconography. Mr. Shukla is the only guide in Khajuraho who read the inscriptions of Khajuraho.
Khajuraho Temples were built between 950-1050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty. The temples are categorised into three groups that are Eastern, Western, and Southern. These temples display intricate & exceptional carvings and astounding architectural skill which makes Khajuraho one of the most popular tourist destinations among domestic as well as international visitors. To name few temples are Kendariya Mahadev Temple, Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Brahma Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Matangeshwar Temple, Parsvanath Temple. During the webinar, the architecture styles of the temples were also discussed.
There is a lot more to explore in and around Khajuraho after a must-visit to magnificent temples which includes a visit to the State Museum of Tribal and folk art, a Sound and light show in the evening near the Western Group of Temples, Panna National Park, and Tiger Reserve, Raneh Waterfalls and many more.
Under the Ministry of Tourism’s Central Sector Scheme identified the development of nineteen iconic destinations in the country following a holistic approach and Khajuraho is of the site to develop as an Iconic Destination. In March 2021, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge), and Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh inaugurated the ‘Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre at Khajuraho developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism to-host corporate events and will cater to business needs of the corporate traveler.
Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Culture, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh informed about how the accessibility of Khajuraho has been increased whether it’s by train, road, or by air. Madhya Pradesh is developing Khajuraho as a family destination by adding more dimensions like eco-tourism, heritage trails, rural homestays, etc. Introduction of hot air ballooning, Buffer mein safar and night safari, etc. in the Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Madhya Pradesh will help to boost the tourism in the State. He also shared that very soon Air India was going to start bi-weekly flights from Delhi to Khajuraho via Varanasi from 1st of May 2021.
Mrs. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism spoke about the various budget options that are available in Khajuraho to cater to tourists. She also discussed the training programs and their importance for students in the hospitality and service industry and how more and more students can be encouraged to participate in the program in the near future.
The Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is presented in technical partnership with the National e-Governance Department, Ministry of Electronics, and Information Technology.
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