Una District: A Rising Star in Religious and Cultural Tourism

Una, March 6 – Nestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Una district is fast becoming a beacon for religious and cultural tourism. Known for its ancient temples, vibrant fairs, and spiritual festivals, Una is earning a reputation as the “City of Temples.” These sacred sites, steeped in history and tradition, are not just places of worship for locals but also draw visitors from across India and beyond. Thanks to the Himachal Pradesh government’s efforts to develop and beautify these locations, Una is witnessing a surge in religious tourism, which is also giving a much-needed boost to the local economy.

A Grand Makeover for Temples

The state government is investing heavily in the beautification and upkeep of Una’s religious sites. The crown jewel is the world-famous Mata Shri Chintpurni Temple, a revered destination for millions of devotees. A whopping ₹250 crore has been allocated to construct a grand new building and improve facilities for pilgrims.

But that’s not all. Una is home to several other sacred sites, including Dera Baba Shri Rudranand Ji Maharaj, Dera Shri Jogi Panga, Shri Kila Baba Bedi Sahib Ji, and Shri Gurudwara Dukh Bhajan Sahib Ji. Temples like Shiv Bari, Brahmoti Sarovar, and Radha Krishna Temple Kotla Kalan are also being spruced up to enhance the experience for visitors.

In addition, around ₹20 crore has been set aside for the beautification and repair of other temples in the district. For instance, ₹5 crore is earmarked for the Sheetal Mata Temple in Ispur, while ₹8 crore will go toward road construction near Damamiya Temple. Smaller temples, such as Sant Guru Ravidas Temple in Bhadsali and Shri Baba Siddh Jalandhari Temple in Gondpur, are also receiving funds for upgrades.

A Boost for Local Businesses

The development of these religious sites isn’t just about spirituality—it’s also about boosting the local economy. With more pilgrims and tourists flocking to Una, businesses like hotels, restaurants, and handicraft shops are thriving. The influx of visitors has created thousands of jobs, providing a significant lift to the region’s economic prospects.

Festivals: Where Spirituality Meets Culture

Una’s cultural heartbeat lies in its traditional festivals and fairs. The state government has been actively promoting these events to preserve local traditions and attract tourists. In 2024, the inaugural Mata Shri Chintpurni Mahotsav in Amb was a resounding success, earning praise from attendees. Annual events like the Pipplu Mela in Bangana and the Holi Maidi Mela in Amb continue to be crowd-pullers.

Another highlight is the religious conference organized by Baba Bal Ji every February, which has become a must-attend event for devotees.

The Grand Return of the Haroli Festival

After a long hiatus, the state-level Haroli Festival is set to make a grand comeback this year. Scheduled to take place at the Kangar Ground in Haroli, the festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture and community.

The festivities will kick off on April 27 with a vibrant procession, followed by cultural performances by local schools and artists. Evenings will come alive with shows by renowned artists from Himachal Pradesh and across the country. The festival will also feature a month-long trade fair, giving local entrepreneurs and self-help groups a platform to showcase their products and boost business.

Preserving Heritage, Building the Future

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government is committed to transforming Una into a hub for religious tourism. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also heads the Department of Art and Culture, emphasized the importance of blending traditional architecture with modern amenities to enhance the appeal of Una’s temples.

The government’s efforts are not just about creating visually stunning religious sites but also about preserving their historical and cultural significance. At the same time, these initiatives are opening up new opportunities for locals, from employment to entrepreneurship.

A Bright Future Ahead

With its rich spiritual heritage, vibrant festivals, and ongoing development projects, Una is poised to become a major destination for religious and cultural tourism. Whether you’re a devotee seeking spiritual solace or a traveler eager to explore new cultures, Una has something special to offer. Keep an eye on this rising star in Himachal Pradesh—it’s a journey worth taking.