Devmali village in Rajasthan wins Best Tourist Village Award | Fusion - WeRIndia

Devmali Village, located in Beawar district of Rajasthan, has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Tourist Village in India.

The central government will officially recognize the village with this accolade at a ceremony to be held in Delhi on November 27, 2024.

This recognition celebrates Devmali’s preservation of local culture, sustainable practices, and its role as a spiritual destination.

Devmali spans over 3,000 bighas of land dedicated to Lord Devnarayan, a revered deity in the region.

The village is known for its strong cultural traditions, including a ban on meat, fish, alcohol, and the burning of kerosene and neem wood.

Devmali is home to the famous temple of Lord Devnarayan, perched atop a hill, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The village is named after this deity, and its residents are devout followers who uphold centuries-old customs in his honour.

One of the unique aspects of Devmali is that despite living there for generations, villagers do not hold any legal land ownership documents.

They believe the land belongs to Lord Devnarayan, and they live as caretakers of his domain.

Reflecting their devotion, no permanent houses or pucca houses exist in the village. Instead, all homes are built from mud and feature thatched roofs, maintaining a traditional lifestyle in line with their religious beliefs.

The Ministry of Tourism organized the Best Tourist Village competition, which evaluated villages based on cultural preservation, tourism development, and community-based living.

Devmali stood out for its balance between upholding cultural heritage and fostering sustainable tourism.

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari expressed her pride in this achievement. She said that Devmali’s selection would not only boost local tourism but also bring international recognition to the village’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage.

She also shared her excitement on social media, acknowledging the rich traditions and scenic beauty that make Devmali a standout destination in India.

As Rajasthan continues to draw tourists with its rich cultural tapestry, the selection of Devmali as India’s Best Tourist Village underscores the importance of preserving local customs.

At the same time, it also helps promote tourism and sets an example for other villages across the country.

Image Credit: Kaushal Bishnoi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Administrative_divisions_of_Rajasthan.png