In Diwali Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi bats for 'festival tourism'

Extending Diwali greetings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday batted for promoting "festival tourism" in country, saying we should welcome people from or states and countries while celebrating festivals such as Holi and Pongal. In his monthly Mann ki Baat rio dress, he also referred to unique "Swachh Siachen" campaign launched by soldiers to clean up icy battlefield of 130 tonnes of trash.

He said feat is remarkable as thing decomposes in icy heights easily. With country celebrating 550th Prakash Utsav or birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in vember, prime minister referred to his teachings of peace, harmony and equality.

PM Modi pays tribute to Indira Gandhi

Paying tributes to n prime minister Indira Gandhi ahe of her death anniversary on October 31, Modi also urged people to participate in large numbers in "run for unity" on Thursday. marathon is organised every year on October 31 since 2014 to mark birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

While referring to tourism, he said Statue of Unity in Gujarat has drawn 26 lakh tourists in its first year. It has generated employment opportunities for locals also. Modi said festival tourism has its own exciting attractions. India, country of festivals, possesses limitless possibilities in realm of festival tourism.

"It must be our endeavour to ensure that we should welcome people of or states, or countries when we celebrate Holi, Diwali, Onam, Pongal or Bihu, spreing ir true spirit," he said. Every state, every region is replete with distinct festivals, generating a lot of interest in people from or countries, he said. Indian diaspora has a significant role to play in promoting festival tourism in India, he suggested