Pilgrim Tourism To Holy Places

Pilgrim Tourism To Holy Places Tourism is the temporary, short-term movement of people to destination outside the places where they normally live and work and their activities during the stay at each destination. It includes movements for all purposes (1976, Tourism Society of England,1976) . Tourism has been described in various ways but may be thought of as the connection and experience arising out of the journeys and temporary stay of people travelling primarily for leisure and recreational purpose. Tourism is thus a multifaceted activity and geographically complex one as different services are sought and supplied at different stages from the origin to the destination. Tourism has emerged as one of the most important instruments to boost economic development in many of the countries across the globe as an engine for economic development, the earnings of foreign exchange, its contribution creation of employment. India has diverse culture and heritage in the North, it has the great Himalayas which gives tremendous opportunities for mountain tourism or adventure tourism. It provides great challenges and difficulties to mountaineers. In the Southern part of the country there is Indian Ocean which gives opportunities to beach tourism and attract large number of foreign and domestic tourists. In the North West there is Thar Desert with Aravalis mountains range. It is highly suitable for desert tourism and heritage tourism. In this way India have very rich natural resources like geographical and cultural diversity, forests, lakes, mountains, rivers and rivulets, sacred shrines, historic monuments and hospitable people, which are necessary for thriving tourism activity (Singh, 2002). Pilgrims with pilgrimage tourism is one of the fastest growing tourism in the world. Not only has it become an important component of the Indian life style (Adrian Ivakhiv, 2003 ) but it has had a profound impact on other peoples of the world and the environments in which they live. Pilgrim tourism to holy places (tirtha-yatra) is an ancient and continuing religious tradition of the Culture of Hindus. Here religion, as a cultural dimension, assumes the vital role and central focus of tourism in which the tourists (pilgrims) from all strata of the Hindus participate. In pilgrim tourism, the dimension of religion forms the basis of tourism of pilgrimage by offering the reward of purification of the soul and attainment of objectives related to the problems of routine life. Hindus from time immemorial were attracted to their numerous holy sites spread throughout India. Pilgrimage is thus a pan-human and pan Indian phenomenon, the meaning of which within the traditional structure of each religion, if not, within castes and communities. According to Skandapurana (a religious treatise), truth, forgiveness, control of senses, kindness to all living beings and simplicity is tirtha. Thus, tirtha yatra not only means physically visiting the holy places but implies mental a nd moral discipline as well. It has rightly said that following the Vedic period, the practice of religious tourism or pilgrimage seems to have gained increased popularity as evident from the great epic Mahabharata (Bhardwaj 1973: 5). The number of pilgrimage sites in India is extremely large but some primary pilgrimage sites include the four Dhams, the Seven Sacred cities and their primary temples, Ashtvinayakas, twelve Jyotirlings, Svaymbhu and Pancha Bhutta linga Temples, the Shakti Pithas, the Kumbha Mela sites, major Vaishnava sites, the Nava Graham Sthalas, the Seven Sacred Rivers, the four Muths of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, the Arupadaividu, Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliva, Jama Masjid, Dargah of Muinuddin Chishti, Hazrathbal Mosque, Haji Ali Mausoleum, Church of St. Catejan, Church of the Sacred Heart, Patna Sahib, Sachkhand Sahib, Hemkund Sahib, Little Mount and certain other places that do not fit into any of the categories listed here. In India all temples, Gurudwaras, Mosques and Churches are considered sacred places. As is evident from the list these sites are not related with one religion only and therefore, they attract people of different religions for pilgrimage. Further, many of such places are visited by pilgrims of various religions. It is worth mentioning that Uttarakhand has many important religious places which are quite popular at national level. Some of these places are well known at the international level as well. A brief description of of such places has been given as Haridwar, Rishikesh and Neelkanth in Uttaranchal. Tourism in Uttarakhand Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India on November 9, 2000, which was carved out of Uttar Pradesh. It occupies an area of 51,125 sq km and a population of about __________ (__________ per sq km).The entire region is geographically important and is comprised of the two distinct parts i.e. eastern part (known as Kumaon) and western part (known as Garhwal). Uttarakhand is surrounded by a number of states like Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh and country like Nepal. Uttarakhand give a distinct sense of tourism practices such as, Adventure tourism activities, leisure activities, wild life national parks and eco tourism activities etc. It is also a home of several religious places belonging to the Hindus and the Sikhs like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Lokpal and Hemkundsahib. To promote tourism Uttar Pradesh Parvatiya Vikas Nigam was established on 30th March 1971, with authorized capital of Rs. 2 crore, under Companies Act 1956. The main objective of this government body was the development of seven hilly districts i.e. Haridwar, Dehradun, Tihri, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Chamouli and Rudraprayag. After this on 31st March 1976, two more Government companies i.e. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam were established for the development of these regions. The main objectives of these apex bodies in the context of tourism were to work in the area of tourism development and provide basic tourism infrastructure facilities, to promote tourism, a state tourism policy was formulated in 2002 in which emphasis was given on three things i.e. development of eco-friendly tourism with the help of both the public and private sectors and local communities, promote tourism as a source of economic growth by employment and revenue generation, develop Uttarakhand as a leading tourist destination and place Uttarakhand on the tourist map. To promote the pace of tourism a Board named Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board was also established in 2002. This board is the supreme institute which gives suggestions to the government related to all tourism matters. Along with tourism this board also works as a regulatory and licensing authority. It has a negative impact on environment too. Degradation of forestland in and around the tourist places and garbage problems due to booming up of tea stalls and shops and as well as mass tourism are the major environmental problems. All above facts relating to the Uttarakhand reveal that the state government view tourism as a source of economic development and employment generation. They have shown their interest in infrastructure development on public-private participation. Further, efforts have been made to keep environmental aspects into consideration while developing tourism. If these steps implemented properly can lead to tourism growth in the above states. The presentation is written for tourism industry analysts and public officials, who would like to better understand, evaluate, or possibly reduce the negative impact of tourism in Uttarakhand. Haridwar Haridwar is regarded as most sacred destination among Hindu pilgrimages. A staggering number of pilgrims visited Haridwar every year. Haridwar is also a historic and cultural destination, older than many other ancient towns in the world, and is deeply rooted in the history and development of Hinduism and Indian culture from its earliest days. Haridwar meaning à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Gateway to Godà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  is one of the seven holiest places of the Hindus, located on the banks of River Ganges. With Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad, Haridwar forms the four important pilgrimage centers of India where Kumbh Mela is celebrated after every 3 years rotated over these 4 destinations. Har-ki-Pauri is the most holy place where thousands of devotees take a dip. Haridwar is located around 200 km north east of Delhi and 54 km south of Dehradun and is probably the most important gateway to Uttarakhand by rail and road. It would also be justifiable to describe it as one of the most important à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"pilgrimage tourismà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  destinations in India.

Alcohol Viewed Through the Eyes of Raymond Carver Essays -- Drinking A

Alcohol Viewed Through the Eyes of Raymond Carver   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some people feel that alcohol is a substance that can be used to escape reality and live in a world where there are no dilemmas or problems that must be solved. Whether the alcohol is abused or just used in moderation, many people are drawn to the several aspects it has to offer. One example of someone who follows these characteristics is the very famous and talented writer, Raymond Carver. Raymond’s use of alcohol is clearly displayed not only through his writings, but in his daily lifestyle. It is a general understanding that in many writers’ works, a small portion of how they live their lives are influenced and portrayed through their stories. Having stated this, two very distinct stories of Raymond Carver eloquently display how alcohol has had an impact on his life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first story that allows the reader to have an inside look at the effects of alcohol on Carver is â€Å"What We Talked About When We Talked About Love.† In the beginning of the story, it seems as if all the characters are thoroughly enjoying themselves. Their casual drinking assists them in their conversations, as they appear to be completely sober and in control of their actions. As their discussion grows deeper and more complex, their consumption of alcohol increases at an even faster rate. Carver intends to show his readers the difference in the way the characters act when they are sober, compared to the way they act when they are intoxicated... Alcohol Viewed Through the Eyes of Raymond Carver Essays -- Drinking A Alcohol Viewed Through the Eyes of Raymond Carver   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some people feel that alcohol is a substance that can be used to escape reality and live in a world where there are no dilemmas or problems that must be solved. Whether the alcohol is abused or just used in moderation, many people are drawn to the several aspects it has to offer. One example of someone who follows these characteristics is the very famous and talented writer, Raymond Carver. Raymond’s use of alcohol is clearly displayed not only through his writings, but in his daily lifestyle. It is a general understanding that in many writers’ works, a small portion of how they live their lives are influenced and portrayed through their stories. Having stated this, two very distinct stories of Raymond Carver eloquently display how alcohol has had an impact on his life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first story that allows the reader to have an inside look at the effects of alcohol on Carver is â€Å"What We Talked About When We Talked About Love.† In the beginning of the story, it seems as if all the characters are thoroughly enjoying themselves. Their casual drinking assists them in their conversations, as they appear to be completely sober and in control of their actions. As their discussion grows deeper and more complex, their consumption of alcohol increases at an even faster rate. Carver intends to show his readers the difference in the way the characters act when they are sober, compared to the way they act when they are intoxicated...

As You Like It Essay

‘As You Like It’ Essay Belonging is the inclusion of both acceptance and alienation. Belonging is security, connection and camaraderie where as not belonging is estrangement, ostracism and seclusion. To belong to people, communities or places can create positive as well as negative outcomes. People’s perceptions of belonging are constantly changing due to personal, historical, cultural and social contexts. In Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ incorporates both aspects of belonging; acceptance and alienation. Different types are presented throughout the play by showing connections to place, to people and to ideas. Each connection that is presented details the characters emotions, actions and morals and values. Connections to certain places is expressed throughout the play but is not restricted to a single environment. Various characters including Orlando, Rosalind and Duke Senior all achieved a sense of belonging through their banishment/withdrawal from the court environment to the Forest of Arden. The Court, once a place where these characters rightfully belonged and had created affinities with, now had became a hostile and foreign environment forming negative outcomes. Not long after, they created connections to the Forest of Arden by the forest providing them with a place of protection and a place to heal their wounded emotions. The forest and the Court are juxtaposed because both environments are necessary to create balance and unity between the characters so they can live happy and fulfilled lives. Rosalind and Orlando had to be banished from the Court, to then thrive and find themselves in the Forest of Arden enabling them to then return to the Court to live their lives where they rightfully belong displaying the importance of these environments. Connections to people are what forms their morals and values and defines their actions. Celia is a perfect example of a connection to a person. She demonstrated the power of love and one’s connection to a person through her loyalty and devotion to Rosalind by showing that she would abandon everything; the Court life and her father, to follow Rosalind into the forest. She had displayed that there is no home at the court, no sense of belonging, without her Rosalind. This connection that Celia had with Rosalind created positive effects to herself and conveyed how belonging to a person was necessary for a positive outcome. Connections to certain ideas define who people are but they also can be poignant and thought provoking toward the audience. Through the play the quote ‘All the world’s a stage’ pessimistically tells us that we all are one in this life. The play affirms that everyone belongs to the same human race and they all have the same ending. This idea is expressed in the dance at the end. It represents a social ritual where everyone belongs and they celebrate love, marriage and common humanity. Ideas can also shape ones perceptions of the world and how they act toward them. Belonging can not just create positive or negative outcomes but it can either enrich or diminish a person’s life; their actions, decisions, morals and values and emotions. In Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ everyone experiences positive outcomes because it is one of his comedies. Belonging throughout the play established its importance to the characters and also detailed the connections they had with each other, their environment and themselves. It also showed how belonging is continually modifying to one’s circumstances but also by their personal, historical, cultural and social contexts.

Helpful Tips and Tricks for Night Nurses to Help You Through Your Shift

Helpful Tips and Tricks for Night Nurses to Help You Through Your Shift As a nurse, you’re always caring for others. Given the hectic nature of your job, sometimes you may forget that self-care is important as well. This is especially true for night nurses. Working late nights can take a toll on you mentally and physically. That being said, here are some useful tips and tricks to help you survive. With these tips, you can see what works best for you.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Source [ Independence  Plus ]

West Civilization review essays

West Civilization review essays In this paper you have asked us to look at four readings, to compare and contrast the visions or attitudes towards death and the afterlife. The four readings that we were asked to look at where the Epic of Gilgamesh, Homers Iliad, Platos Apology, and finally the Martyrdom of Polycarp. The paper will be set up in the following format. First, I will give my findings in each of the four works, starting with the Epic of Gilgamesh, Homers Iliad, Platos Apology, and then finally the Martyrdom of Polycarp. Second, relate any comparisons or contrasts that I have found between the four works. Now, let us begin with the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Epic of Gilgamesh, I felt that there were two themes that related to the papers objective. One theme dealing with death and the other theme dealing with the afterlife. First, in regards to death the story illustrates to me that the overall view on death was that it was inevitable. I felt that this was shown in Enkidu's death. It was at that point for the first time I believe that Gilgamesh believed that everyone was mortal and at some point everyone is going to die including himself and with realization, he begins to deny the truth and face the reality of his own death. In regards to the afterlife, the idea that the story presented was that immortality is unachievable. Homers Iliad, I felt only presented a theme on death and the way it was viewed. It was revealed to us through the character of Hector, when he spoke of the death that was fated to him. Hector spoke of this death in the conversation with his wife. In this conversation, he states that even though he would probably die in the upcoming fighting he must go and fight. He was not afraid to die, because he felt that by fighting for his people and dying he would honor his family after his death. Plato wrote Platos Apology, after the death of Socrates. I believe that in the story, Socrates remains confid...

BRIDGING THEORY AND PRACTICE LEADERSHIP Assignment

BRIDGING THEORY AND PRACTICE LEADERSHIP - Assignment Example Due to the importance and relevance of leadership, there are several academic and professional studies that have been conducted on it to make its application and usage very simple and forthcoming. It is not surprising therefore that there are several theories of leadership in the academic world. The question that remains however is the level to which these leadership theories are applied in professional world. The essence of this paper is therefore to examine how the gap between theory and practice leadership can be bridged. This process is undertaken by examining the life of a world renowned leader on how this leader has contributed to society and used various leadership behaviors. The paper concluded with recommendations on how the leader can improve on the type of leadership style practiced. Biography of the leader Mary Nichols is the leader, whose personal and professional is examined as a case study in this paper. Mary Nichols holds a B.A from Cornell University and has J.D from Yale Law School, which earned her one of her earliest careers as a journalist with The Wall Street Journal. She worked as an attorney with specializations in the areas of environmental and health science from 1971 to 1974. As a professional, Mary Nichols takes leadership at the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as the head of the organization. Her current position comes as a result of rising through the ranks in the CARB. This is because under Governor Jerry Brown, Mary served at the CARB from 1975 to 1982 (Tett and Burnett, 2003). She them left her position for other engagements, which were however related to environmental leadership. In 2007, Mary Nichols was back to CARB ahead of Govenor Brown’s recall to the statehouse, and this time she acted for four years. Today, she heads the CARB but before she worked with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where she was the Assistant Administrator of Air and Radiation, consolidating her experience and depth of k nown as an environmentalist. Generally, the legacy of Mary Nichols at her position remains her accolade as a fierce advocate for the institutionalization of what has been described as cutting edge technology that has not only transformed her state but her nation and the world as a whole (Tabachnick and Fidell, 2001). Specific to her credit are the successful push through with policies that have brought about boosting in fuel economy, the cutting of acid rain and reduction in the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment. Mary has been tagged by international media and environmental advocates as a woman who leads with global standards. Interestingly, Mary Nichols attributes her successes to the cooperation and united spirit she has had from the entire people of California and subordinates who work under her. Into the future with Nichols, California is looking at the reduction of harmful diesel pm through the adoption of California’s diesel truck rules in 2014 by 7 tons a d ay and 3 tons a day in 2023 (Tett and Burnett, 2003). Contributions to society/organization As a third timer at the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and working under three different heads of states, there are several contributions that can be outlined of Mary Nichol in terms of how she has transformed the organization within which she works and society as a whole. As far as her organization is concerned, Mary Nichols will be credited with structural and organizational changes at CARB. Analysts have said that there were clear differences in Mary Nichols from 1975 to 1982 at CARB and the Mary Nichols who is today the head of the same organization. This is because she contributed to a restructuring exercise that

What Customer Service Means to ME Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

What Customer Service Means to ME - Term Paper Example I immediately logged into my checking account to see what it was referring to, and to my shocking surprise, there was a check scheduled to be sent to PSE&G for $19,589.00 for Novembers billing statement. So I immediately tried to edit the error to the correct amount of $195.89, but the online bill pay would not allow me to correct the error. So I then contacted the customer service at Bank of America to assist me in correcting this error or cancel it. After speaking to several customer service reps, I still got the same answer from each one, â€Å"sorry you had plenty of time all week to correct it, and it is now in the system and will be processed†. So then I called the customer service dep’t at PSE&G to explain what’s happening and see if they can help stop this train wreck. Well, guess what, I practically got the same responses from their customer service reps, but with even a bigger attitude. They told me â€Å"well when we get the check, we’ll going to process it because it’s our money†. Now this is after they’ve confirmed that the bill was only for $195.89. So after being on the phone with both companies for about 3 hours total on a Friday night, I immediately stopped all of my current transactions for the rest of the month with the online bill pay system. ... But he did tell me â€Å"don’t worry about it, I can see it’s an simple error, and it’ll be rejected because you didn’t have enough funds to cover it - it’ll just bounce back to them for insufficient funds. You should keep an eye on the account to inform us when it was submitted for payment†. Well I did just that, I kept my eye on my account every day the following week to see when it get submitted for payment. The check was schedule to be sent out that following Monday December 3rd, and the check was submitted by PSE&G that same day. So I called the branch manager concerning the check, and he informed me that he already bounced the check back to PSE&G for insufficient funds. He also told me to look for it again for the 2nd submission for payment, so he can do the same. That Wednesday, PSE&G submitted it again for the payment, and the branch manager did what he promised to me would do - send it back for insufficient funds. So now I’m r elaxing the train wreck has been avoided, but was it? Come Friday, I get a call from the central office of Bank of America, that they have started proceedings to collect on an outstanding balance of insufficient funds for a check that was deposited and processed a 3rd time by PSE&G, and they demand payment or else. Now I’m in shock, amazed and very pissed off with what was just said to me by some numskull who doesn’t have any common sense to review what’s been going on. So I gave him a few choice words and told what I think of him and the bank because it’s obvious that one hand doesn’t know what the other hand is doing, and that there weren’t any note, warnings or flags posted to my account for these Moran’s to stop