PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The State Tourism and Religious Affairs minister Satpal Maharaj included Baba Baukhnag Dham in the tourism circuit as a destination of religious tourism. Notably, a delegation of Shri Baba Baukhnag Dev Samiti had recently met him and demanded Baukhnag Dham, located just above the Silkyara tunnel, as a tourist destination. He accepted the demand and directed the Tourism secretary to do the needful to implement the order.
He stated that a fair is held every third year at Baukh Tibba (Baukhnag Dham), the sacred place of penance of Baba Baukhnag, with participation of a large number of devotees. “It is a major centre of faith, attracting a steady flow of devotees daily, and holds significant tourism significance. Therefore, in response to local demand, this sacred place has been declared a tourist destination,” he stated. He further said that the move would further boost religious tourism in the region, helping the locals with enhanced income.
Notably, the Silkyara Tunnel, well-known for the 17-day rescue operation to save the lives of 41 workers who remained trapped in the under-construction tunnel, was named after Baba Baukhnag.
The locals said they were happy with the official recognition of the shrine hallowed with the presence of the revered local deity.
