PROPOSAL FOR TULSI MAHOTSAV

PROPOSAL FOR TULSI MAHOTSAV

17-JULY-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR------------------------The demand to organize a state-level 'Tulsi Mahotsav'—modeled after the 'Vishwamitra Mahotsav'—at the historically and religiously significant Tulsi Ashram in Raghunathpur (Buxar district) has gained fresh momentum. Supporting this proposal in his inquiry report, the Block Development Officer (Brahmpur) has forwarded a positive recommendation to the Sub-Divisional Officer (Dumraon) and the District Art and Culture Officer (Buxar).

The inquiry report states that the Tulsi Ashram in Raghunathpur is a major center of religious faith, cultural tradition, and historical heritage. According to local beliefs and available historical references, this site is renowned as the *Tapobhumi* (place of penance) of Goswami Tulsidas. The Shahabad Gazetteer, published by the Government of Bihar, also mentions Tulsidas's stay in Raghunathpur. Oral traditions suggest that during his time here, he composed parts of the *Uttarkand* of the *Ramcharitmanas* and named the place 'Raghunathpur'.

According to the report, approximately 4 acres and 63 decimals of land registered in the name of Goswami Tulsidas are available within the ashram complex. The Ram-Janaki Temple, Tulsidas Temple, Bhuijbara Temple, and Mahakaleshwar Temple located here are key centers of religious and cultural devotion for the region. Large numbers of devotees and locals participate in the annual two-day Tulsi Mahotsav held on occasions such as Ram Navami, the Ganga Maha-Aarti during the month of Sawan, and Tulsi Jayanti.

In his report, the Block Development Officer noted that organizing the Tulsi Mahotsav at the state level would boost religious and cultural tourism. Beyond gaining national recognition for this historic site associated with the legacy of Goswami Tulsidas, the event would create new opportunities for local trade, handicrafts, transport, the hotel industry, small-scale industries, and self-employment. The report further states that the more than four acres of land available within the ashram complex are both sufficient and suitable for such a state-level event. It is noteworthy that, acting on the directives of the Tourism Department of the Bihar Government, the District Magistrate of Buxar, the District Art and Culture Officer, and the Sub-Divisional Officer (Dumraon) had requested the Block Development Officer (Brahmpur) to submit a detailed report covering various aspects of the Tulsi Ashram—including its religious, cultural, and historical significance, land ownership details, site maps, maintenance status, and tourism potential.

Shailesh Kumar Ojha, Convener of the Tulsi Vichar Manch, stated that the positive inquiry report submitted by the Block Development Officer marks a significant step towards securing official state recognition for the Tulsi Ashram in Raghunathpur. He urged the Bihar Government to promptly act on the report's recommendations and approve the organization of a state-level 'Tulsi Mahotsav' in Raghunathpur, thereby ensuring that the site of Goswami Tulsidas's penance receives due recognition at the national level and allowing Buxar to carve out a new identity on the map of religious and cultural tourism.