The Himachal Pradesh Government, under the visionary leadership of CM Sukhu, is redefining the pilgrim and cultural experience by seamlessly blending heritage conservation with modern amenities. With a total investment exceeding ₹550 crore, the state is committed to preserving its ancient traditions while upgrading infrastructure at religious and cultural sites across Himachal Pradesh.
A significant portion—₹50 crore—has been earmarked for the restoration of ancient temples, forts, and archaeological sites, reflecting the government’s resolve to protect the State’s historical and spiritual legacy. Additionally, ₹37 crore has been sanctioned specifically for development works in temples, ensuring improved facilities for pilgrims and visitors.
A major innovation in this direction is the introduction of the ‘SUGAM Darshan’ system at Chintpurni Temple, launched in August 2023. Designed to enhance the pilgrim experience, the system offers online langar booking and virtual darshan, alongside improved amenities for elderly and differently-abled devotees. These digital initiatives will soon be expanded to other major temple trusts across the state.
The government has approved ₹56.26 crore for the development of Chintpurni Temple, where a ₹250 crore grand temple complex is currently under construction to promote religious tourism. In parallel, ₹100 crore each has been sanctioned for the holistic development of Shree Jwalaji and Shree Naina Devi Temples, both major pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh.
To maintain the sanctity and precision of rituals, the government is also investing in the training of temple priests. Recently, 15 priests from Chintpurni and 10 from Naina Devi temples completed online training via Banaras Hindu University, with more to follow in a phased rollout.
In terms of supporting cultural institutions, the government has sanctioned ₹11.16 crore for the maintenance of heritage infrastructure and has doubled the annual assistance for incense and lighting at smaller temples for FY 2025-26. A recurring ₹1 crore annual fund has also been provided for regular worship and infrastructural upkeep.
The restoration of Bantony Castle in Shimla stands as a flagship heritage project. Inaugurated in September 2023, the site now features a light-and-sound show and will soon house a digital museum. Over ₹25 crore has been allocated to this project, which also promotes local culture through ‘Pahari Aangan’ stalls, modeled on Delhi Haat.
Further, the government is strengthening regional cultural infrastructure by constructing auditoriums in district headquarters. Five have been completed, with new projects underway in Chamba and Nahan. Cultural events have also received consistent support, with grants of ₹66.50 lakh in 2023–24 and ₹1.10 crore in 2024–25 for national and state fairs, alongside support for voluntary organizations promoting Himachali arts and traditions.
Notable milestones include the 50th anniversary of the Himachal State Museum, Shimla, celebrated in January 2024. The museum now houses 1,500 rare objects in 28 curated galleries. Events like the Shimla Music Festival 2024 and Him Mahotsav Delhi Haat 2025 have taken Himachal’s rich culture to a national stage. Additionally, workshops in Sanskrit and Tankari script have engaged the youth and scholars alike.
Through these wide-ranging efforts, the Himachal Pradesh Government is not only preserving its cultural and religious heritage but also transforming sacred and historic sites into vibrant centers of tradition, tourism, and economic activity. By integrating modern amenities with age-old values, the state is setting a national model in how development and heritage can thrive hand in hand.
The government’s holistic approach ensures that future generations inherit a legacy of cultural pride, spiritual depth, and modern relevance—cementing Himachal Pradesh’s identity as both the Land of Gods and a forward-looking cultural powerhouse.
