Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak (Chief) of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), will inaugurate the highly anticipated International Temple Convention and Expo (ITCX) at the Rudraksh Convention Center in Varanasi. This remarkable event will bring together an impressive gathering of over 450 temple functionaries from 25 countries, representing diverse religious backgrounds.
Notable attendees include temple trustees, distinguished individuals such as the Prince of Travancore (Sree Padmanabhadasa Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma), Rohan A. Khunte, the Tourism Minister of Goa, and Dharma Reddy, Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, a renowned trust in Andhra Pradesh. The conference extends its invitation not only to Hindus but also to representatives from Math-Temples and Gurudwaras affiliated with Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and interfaith dialogue.
Under the active support of the Ministry of Tourism as part of the Incredible India campaign, the ITCX aims to delve into various aspects related to the pilgrim experience, crowd management, solid waste management, and the improvement of basic amenities at temples, monasteries, and gurudwaras. The Rudraksh Convention Center will serve as the venue for the entire program, offering a space for knowledge exchange and networking among global temple functionaries.
Beyond its pragmatic objectives, the convention and expo also serve as a platform to showcase and celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, arts, and crafts associated with places of worship worldwide. It provides an opportunity to highlight India’s rich heritage of religious sites to a global audience, promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
Playing a pivotal role in strengthening and empowering the global temple ecosystem, the ITCX encourages collaboration, fosters growth, and facilitates the sharing of best practices among participants. By promoting dialogue and cooperation among different faiths and communities, this groundbreaking event aims to nurture understanding, respect, and unity.
In addition to the convention, the initiative Temple Connect has been at the forefront of establishing connections among global Hindu temples. Founded in 2016 by Giresh Kulkarni, Temple Connect focuses on the documentation, digitization, and distribution of information specifically related to temples originating from India. It serves as a valuable resource for devotees worldwide, providing accessible digital information to enhance their temple experience.