‘I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am a young entrepreneur, and as one very much attached with the progress of our beloved Nepal, I am writing with the utmost respect for your leadership and a heartfelt plea to bring forward an untapped opportunity for the development of our nation. I am clear about one thing: That the country operates on a wide spectrum of ideologies and political views, which often shape the path we have undertaken. Yet, on crucial issues of national development, I believe at times we must rise above personal and ideological differences for the good of Nepal.
Excluded from the litter of spiritual heritage, culture, and tradition, spiritual values are inbuilt in Nepal. Starting from Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, to sacred sites such as Pashupatinath and Muktinath, our country houses some of the most important spiritual landmarks of the world. We have not developed a strong spiritual and religious economy despite being so rich in its spiritual aspects.
This is a fast-growing industry in most parts of the world in spiritual tourism and wellness travel. Countries like India and Thailand have embraced this trend and are reaping enormous economic benefits from this very industry. Similarly, Nepal is the country that has the richest spiritual roots and is incomparable in terms of cultural heritage. We can do the same, but we need to act now. Unfortunately, ideological constraints have hindered us from tapping into this huge opportunity.
The world needs healing, it needs connectivity and it needs authenticity—everything which Nepal can offer.
Allow me to be clear: this is not about promoting any particular religion or set of beliefs over another; this is about coming together as a nation to leverage what is inherently ours for the benefit of every Nepali citizen. The global spiritual economy currently stands in billions, and it is bound to grow even further. Wellness tourism reports say that the wellness tourism market will reach 1.4 trillion USD by 2027 alone. Religious tourism in India alone contributes billions of rupees to their economy every year, and thousands of high-paying tourists visit Thailand for its retreats each year. Given the unique spiritual heritage, Nepal’s potential goes much beyond that.
We can achieve so much in Nepal because it draws so many tourists, especially with our festivals and events that have such rich cultural essence. Hundreds of festivals are celebrated in Nepal, each holding deep spiritual and cultural significance. Festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Indra Jatra, and Buddha Jayanti draw thousands into their folds annually, yet the visibility to the international community is minimal. Just imagine these festivals being marketed across the globe-to bring along tourists not only to be a part of the spiritual energy but also to experience the richness of culture and community bonding that Nepal has to offer. These festivals are not events, but a living heritage, personal expressions of our values, tradition, and way of life.
Take Indra Jatra, when the streets of Kathmandu come alive with processions, music, and rituals that celebrate ancient deities. Or take Dashain, where families across Nepal get together and celebrate Durga’s victory over evil to bless their loved ones. These events provide an ideal forum for tourists in quest of more meaningful and authentic experiences of our culture. The pilgrims, culture lovers, and spiritual seekers from across the world could come to Nepal-not to visit the sacred sites alone but to participate in these living traditions-witness firsthand the spiritual energy which courses through our festivals.
Our festivals and cultural events can draw so many tourists. Festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Indra Jatra, and Buddha Jayanti draw thousands into their folds annually, yet the visibility to the international community is minimal.
If placed correctly, such events may go a long way in contributing towards the economy by bringing in a source of income for locals, craftsmen, and communities besides affording an opportunity to preserve and propagate our cultural heritage before the world. The international tourists during these festivals would have a trickling effect on the hospitality, travel, and service sectors, ultimately creating jobs and opportunities even in the far-flung areas.
I understand that an ideological position of keeping religion and matters relating to state apart may make our leadership cautious. But I suggest respectfully that we leave such divisions aside and think for the benefit of the entire nation. It is neither any one particular political ideology nor any one belief system. It belongs to us all as Nepalis. One must envision the transformative power of spiritual tourism, the role that our festivals and traditional events can play in luring tourists.
We are living in a time when technology and social media have powerful means of giving such events exposure to a world audience. This would mean reaching out to millions of possible visitors in search of authentic spiritual experiences if we apply proper digital marketing strategies and social media campaigns. Social media are crowded with people looking for meaningful journeys, and it is such journeys that the festivals and sacred sites in Nepal offer. A properly targeted campaign on our spiritual wealth on one side, traditional events, and festivals on the other can go viral and attract tourists.
Spiritual tourism goes beyond generating earnings as it could revive a deeper contact with our own roots. It may inspire the younger generation—who are increasingly alienated from their heritage—to once again seek the beauty and significance of our heritage. As you well know, many young Nepalis migrate abroad in search of opportunities, creating a significant brain drain. In developing the spiritual and wellness tourism sector, we could provide them with those opportunities here at home. This would offer not only economic benefits but also a sense of pride in our culture and tradition to help overcome the growing cultural disconnection.
In the light of the above, I humbly call upon the government to take necessary steps for the development of spiritual and religious tourism. It means providing a specific budget for the promotion of festivals and events, developing infrastructure around major pilgrimage sites, and implementing policies that facilitate international tourists in attending such events. We could ease visa processes and invest in digital marketing campaigns to position Nepal as the premier spiritual tourism destination in Asia and beyond.
It is not only economic, but also spiritual and cultural. If people do not do it for themselves, they will lose their identity to their traditions in the wake of moving alongside a world that does not include them.
I request the honorable Prime Minister to consider this vision with an open mind. I strongly believe that under your leadership, Nepal could be turned into an international spiritual hub, receiving tourists not to visit but to engage, learn, and live through the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. The world needs healing, it needs connectivity and it needs authenticity—everything which Nepal can offer.
With high regards and in anticipation,
Nirjan Ahikari’
Nirjan Ahikari is a Co-Founder at Yagyashala Nepal.
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