Conceptual Framework to Position Devika River (Gupt Ganga) as a Religious Festival Tourist Destination

Abstract

In Hinduism, rivers are considered holy and sacred as they have various historical, religious, and social importance. The aim of this research is to explore the historical, religious, and socio-economic importance of the Devika River (Gupt Ganga) and the surrounding area and its potential for being developed as a religious festival tourism destination. This study employed qualitative method to explore the potential of research sites by using both primary data and secondary data. The results of this study revealed that the conservation of rivers is very important to save this culture and history. Also, the importance of festivals for the regional development through tourism was highlighted. Furthermore, it has been found that Devika River and the surrounding area has enormous potential to be developed as a religious festival tourist destination, but lack of planning and support from the government and minimal participation from other tourism stakeholders has always deprived this destination from exploring its true potential.