People from 23 countries to participate: Shankhnad Mahotsav to mark a new era in Spiritual tourism

Press conference held in Panaji ahead of the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav

From left – Mr Yuvraj Gaonkar, Mr Jayesh Thali, Mr Raj Sharma, Mr Chetan Rajhans (National Spokesperson, Sanatan Sanstha), Mr Sanjay Ghadge, Mr Nitin Phaldesai, and Mr Anil Naik

Panaji (Goa) – The ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav,’ to be held by Sanatan Sanstha at the Infinity Maidan of Goa Engineering College in Farmagudi, Ponda, from May 17th to 19th, is poised to be more than just a religious celebration. It will be a grand international festival of spiritual awakening. With participants from 23 countries, including saints, spiritual leaders of various sects, temple trustees, and more than 25,000 seekers and devotees, this 3-day mahotsav will mark a significant milestone in spiritual tourism, on par with Kashi, Ujjain, and Ayodhya. The event will feature traditional yajnas, spiritual discourses, and exhibitions that will foster spiritual consciousness and boost the local economy.This information was shared by Mr Chetan Rajhans, National Spokesperson of Sanatan Sanstha, at a press conference held at Hotel Manoshanti, Panaji.

Prominent attendees of the Press conference included Mr Santosh Ghodge from Art of Living, Mr Jayant Miringkar from Cultural Trust, Mr Nitin Phaldesai from International Bajrang Dal, Mr Sujan Naik from Padmanabha Sampradaya, Tapobhoomi – Kundai, Mr Raj Sharma from Brahmin Mahasangh, Mr Anil Naik from Devotee of Jagadguru Swami Narendracharyaji Maharaj, Mr Jayesh Thali from Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh and Mr Yuvraj Gaonkar representing Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.

Temples are the soul and backbone of India’s economy

Mr Rajhans emphasized that temples are not just places of worship, they are economic and cultural lifelines. He cited the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as examples, highlighting that Uttar Pradesh now earns ₹22,000 crore annually from spiritual tourism, propelling it to the No. 1 rank in tourism.Once known as ‘Dakshin Kashi,’ Goa too can reap similar economic benefits. Spiritual hubs such as Ujjain, Tirupati, Rameshwaram, and Kashi have endured for thousands of years; unlike many modern industrial cities; and continue to thrive due to their cultural and religious significance.

During this 3-daymahotsav, over 25,000 people from India and abroad will stay in Goa for 3–5 days. Their visits to temples, markets, hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots will generate significant revenue for local businesses, while also boosting employment and GST collections.

Mahotsav to herald a bright Spiritual future

Unlike other industries, spiritual tourism fosters sustainable development and moral values in society. The mahotsav will showcase mandir heritage, folk and cultural arts, patriotic and spiritual values, and awareness of dharmik traditions. This ‘Shankhnad’ (divine clarion call) is a declaration of unity and resurgence of Sanatan Dharma. To learn more, Mr Rajhans encouraged people to visit SanatanRashtraShankhnad.in.

Rare darshan of 1,000-year-old Somnath jyotirlinga

A key highlight of the mahotsav will be the public darshan of the ancient 1,000-year-old Somnath jyotirlinga. This sacred Shivalinga, desecrated by Mahmud of Ghazni and later preserved by the Agnihotra sect, is now being brought for public darshan with the blessings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji, founder of Art of Living. An exhibition of historical weapons from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will also be held at the venue.