Author:

Supriya Ghosh
Ph.D Research Scholer
Department of History
Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan

Email: Supriyaghosh.c@gmail.com

Abstract::Pilgrimage travel, whether for religious faith or personal interest, is rapidly increasing across the world. People visit holy places for various reasons. Some are deeply religious, some follow family or social traditions, and others travel simply as tourists. Today’s pilgrims can be seen along a wide spectrum—from spiritual seekers to secular tourists. As a result, the difference between pilgrimage and tourism is gradually becoming less clear. Apart from these Peethasthans, notable tourist attractions include Bakreshwar, the Buddhist Stupa, Shikhar Deul, Buddha Statue, Tribhanga Vishnu, Svarnamangala Temple, Ichai Ghosh’s Deul, Siddheshwari Temple, Kankaleswari Temple, and the 108 Shiva Temples. Among the hills, Mamabhagne and Garh Panchakot are significant. The main festivals and celebrations include Shiva’s Gajan, Dharma Puja, Nabanna, Makar Parab, Bhadu Parab, Tusu Parab, Ghetu Parab, Itu Parab, Chhata Parab, Bandha Parab, Dasai, Eid, etc. The Tarapith temple is considered the most important religious centre in the Birbhum district. This study examines how tourism can support regional development in Birbhum district, with special focus on cultural and religious tourism.

Key Words::Cultural Preservation , Heritage, Socio-Cultural, Temple, Tourism, etc.