Soon, offer virtual poojas to family deity from anywhere in the world

PANAJI: Even as Goa tourism explores highlighting old temples to promote spiritual tourism, it will also offer visitors an option of offering poojas virtually, tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said.
A person in Dubai or elsewhere will be able to perform a virtual pooja if his family deity, or any god or goddess, is on the list. Once a formula is finalised, the committees of famous temples in Ponda and other talukas will be requested to come on board.
"If any temple committee does not wish to be part of the scheme, we will not force them," tourism minister Rohan Khaunte told TOI. "This month, we will sign a memorandum of understanding with online platforms to offer a service of online poojas."
Temples at Mangueshi, Kavlem, and Ramnathi receive hordes of tourists annually.
Also along the lines of spiritual tourism, Khaunte said that they're exploring the option of visitors going to other eco-friendly spots in the same talukas (as temples) by giving them the option of staying two-three days.
Studies show 20-30% of tourists who visit India come for yoga: Rohan Khaunte
When we tell tourists about Tambdi Surla temple, we will also tell them about Dushsagar waterfalls, which are a few kilometers away," he said. "Options will be available for tourists to stay in town for two to three days, visit temples, and also learn about their history," he said, adding that there's a reason why temples were moved to Ponda taluka.
This is why the tourism department is eager to release its home stay policy at the earliest, Khaunte said. "Once the home stay policy becomes operative, it will also open avenues of women empowerment, and boost the rural economy," he said.
An agreement with AirBnB has already been signed, he said, adding that the agency will have standard operating procedures in place, as well as train women who wish to offer homestay facilities in their villages.
Besides, Khaunte said that they wish to have wellness centres in these areas that offer yoga sessions. "Studies show that 20-30% of tourists who visit India come for yoga. It is a big number, and surprising too," he said.
In Goa, too, various yoga classes are conducted and are attended by foreign tourists.
Also, a caravan policy and heritage policy are in the pipeline to present various aspects of the destination in a systematic manner, Khaunte said.