Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 6 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with religious tourism emerging as a key driver of economic growth and employment. From the spiritual vibrance of Kashi, the abode of Lord Shiva, to the divine aura of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, faith-based destinations are now flourishing as centres of opportunity, providing livelihoods to lakhs and revitalizing the local economy.
The Mahakumbh in Tirtharaj Prayagraj was a shining example of this trend. While the government had projected a turnout of 35 to 40 crore devotees and tourists during the one-and-a-half-month-long event—the largest religious gathering in the world—more than 66 crore people participated.
Many visitors extended their spiritual journeys beyond Prayagraj, travelling to sites such as Kashi, Ayodhya, Shringverpur (where Nishadraj helped Lord Ram cross the Ganga), Chitrakoot (where Ram spent significant time during his exile), and Vindhyachal (home to the revered Maa Jagdamba temple).
Recognizing the vast potential of these spiritual destinations, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has consistently invested in infrastructure, safety, and visitor-friendly amenities.
The results are evident. Uttar Pradesh has consistently broken records in tourism year after year. Since 2022, it has held the top position in the country for domestic tourist arrivals. Government data shows that in 2017, the state welcomed 24 crore tourists. By 2024, that number had surged to 65 crore—an extraordinary increase of 41 crore in just eight years. With the Mahakumbh scheduled for 2025, tourist footfall may reach one billion, potentially setting a new benchmark for spiritual and economic vibrancy in India’s heartland.
According to a report by the Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi Chamber of Commerce, over 60% of domestic travel in India is to religious destinations. Religious tourism not only fuels economic growth but also promotes cultural exchange. To fully harness its potential, world-class infrastructure, seamless road and air connectivity, robust security, and high-quality visitor services are essential. The Uttar Pradesh government is actively working on all these fronts.
This transformation has been years in the making. The foundation was laid when Yogi Adityanath took office as Chief Minister in March 2017. At a time when many political leaders avoided even mentioning Ayodhya, Yogi Adityanath made repeated visits to the city, each accompanied by major development announcements. The grand Deepotsav, organized on the eve of Diwali, rekindled national and global interest in Ayodhya.
Following the Supreme Court’s historic verdict on the Ram Mandir and the commencement of construction at Ram Janmabhoomi, the Modi government at the Centre and the Yogi government in the state launched extensive development projects to transform Ayodhya.
The Chief Minister has declared his vision to make Ayodhya the most beautiful tourist city in the world—and work toward that goal is progressing rapidly. The same focused development approach is being applied to Kashi, Prayagraj, and the Braj region.
The link between Ram and livelihood is significant—they go hand in hand. The BJP sharpened the Ram Mandir movement and positioned it as a pillar of cultural nationalism. When the Supreme Court verdict paved the way for the grand temple of Ram Lalla after a 500-year wait, the BJP was in power at both the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh. Complementing this was the spiritual and political leadership of Yogi Adityanath, Peethadheeshwar of the Gorakshapeeth in Gorakhpur—a spiritual centre with deep historical ties to the Ram Mandir movement for nearly a century.
(ANI)