Sacred-Secular Tourism of Kashmir Similarities Continuity and Complementary: A Case of Baba Rishi Shrine

Dr Shah ABQ

Published on: 2024-01-09

Abstract

Sacred-Secular tourism experiences appear deeply embedded among the visitors of Baba Rishi Shrine of Kashmir. In this work the researcher focused on the expressions of beliefs, feelings, motivations, behaviour and experiences of visitors. These attributes were identified through review of literature and direct conversations with the stakeholders of shrine. The main objectives of the present study was to explore the Age, gender, residency, marital status and religion of visitors who travel Baba Rishi shrine, and their interest in other sacred and secular destinations of Kashmir. The study revealed visitors of Baba Rishi shrine are interested in both sacred and secular places on same day and schedule. They prefer to experience both sacred and secular tourism. The objectives of the study were achieved through Survey method and indepth interviews. The respondents were mainly the visitors of Baba Rishi shrine and other stakeholders (custodians and travel agencies). The final result of the study revealed that there is a close nexus between sacred and secular sites of Kashmir and visitors (pilgrims/tourist) seeks common motives and interests. The sacred-secular activities of visitors are not dichotomous in nature, rather they appeal for similarities, continuum and complementary.