Damauli, February 13

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today underscored the need to develop Byas Parashar area of Tanahun as a religious tourism site.

Inaugurating Srimadbhagawat Gyan Mahayagya at Benipatan organised by Parashar Ashram Conservation Committee in Byas Municipality-5 today, PM Deuba stressed that the birthplace of Veda Byas, the author of the four Vedas and 18 Puranas, should be developed as a religious tourism hub. “The state is committed to extend necessary support for the development of Byas and Parashar area. Such holy prayers and pujas support development and provide publicity for sacred places,” said PM Deuba. He also said such activities would strengthen social, economic and cultural development of society.

He called for unity among Tanahun folks to ensure tourism development in Manungkot, Tanahusur and Chundiramgha, among other places of the district which are in the proximity of Pokhara. He lauded the tremendous contribution extended by the district during the democratic movement.

Byas Municipality Mayor Baikuntha Neupane, Mahayagya Coordinator Tara Prasad Shrestha, Bhagawat Bhaskar Kamalnayan Gautam, General Secretary of the yagya Satya Prasad Khanal, among others, urged people to extend optimum support for the success of the programme.

The mahayagya was organised with the aim of conserving the Shivalaya, elderly home, Parashar Satsang, Satyashakti Shila and the Gurukul School among others. It is estimated that  Rs 20 million will be earned from the yagya, which will continue until February 20.