May 2, 2025: April 2025 was a landmark month for Uttar Pradesh Tourism, marked by vibrant cultural celebrations, strategic developments, and renewed international outreach. From spiritual festivals that lit up the skies to heritage revival initiatives and rural empowerment programs, the state continued to reinforce its identity as a dynamic, culturally rich, and globally aspirational tourism destination.
Cultural Reverence and Rural Empowerment: Nishadraj Jayanti in Prayagraj
The month began with the grand celebration of Nishadraj Jayanti in Prayagraj, where Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the newly developed Nishadraj Park—a sprawling six-hectare site created to honor the legendary friendship between Lord Shri Ram and Nishadraj Ji. In a deeply spiritual ceremony, the Chief Minister performed pujan and aarti at the statues of Lord Ram and Nishadraj, viewed a cultural exhibition by the Ayodhya Research Institute, and appreciated local artisans showcasing Moonj craft under the Rural Tourism Initiative.
Further empowering local communities, certificates were distributed by the Manyavar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management to trained boatmen, SHG artisans, and tourist guides from Shringverpur Dham. These efforts highlighted the seamless blend of heritage preservation and community-driven tourism development.
Moonj Craft and ODOP: Weaving Livelihoods with Heritage
At the heart of the celebrations was the promotion of Moonj craft—the One District One Product (ODOP) of Prayagraj. This traditional art form, crafted from wild grass, has provided livelihood opportunities for rural women while preserving local traditions. During the event, Hon’ble CM Yogi Adityanath interacted with artisans and applauded their contributions, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism through craft promotion and skill recognition.
Strategic Tourism Vision: Shaping Uttar Pradesh’s Global Identity
Moving from grassroots empowerment to policy-level planning, a high-level tourism strategy meeting was held under the leadership of Tourism Minister Shri Jaiveer Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shri Asim Arun, and Advisor to the CM Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi. Principal Secretary Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram and senior officials outlined transformative initiatives to elevate Uttar Pradesh’s visibility on the national and international tourism map.
Key focus areas included infrastructure development, enhanced visitor experiences, global branding, and digital engagement—all aligned with the vision of making Uttar Pradesh a world-class tourism hub.
Shri Ram Janmotsav 2025: Walking Through the Sacred Streets of Ayodhya
Spiritual tourism remained at the forefront with the grand celebration of Shri Ram Janmotsav 2025 in Ayodhya. A special Heritage Walk traced the spiritual and historical landscape of the holy city, covering landmarks such as Dashrath Mahal, Kanak Bhawan, Asharfi Bhawan, Siyarām Fort, Nageshwar Nath Temple, and Ram Ki Paidi, ending at Queen Ho Park. This immersive journey connected visitors with the essence of Ayodhya’s divine legacy, attracting devotees and tourists from around the world.
Ram Navami Splendour: Celestial Devotion in Ayodhya and Chitrakoot
The spiritual fervor reached its zenith during Ram Navami. In Ayodhya, devotees thronged the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple to witness the sacred Abhishek and the spectacular Surya Tilak—a divine solar phenomenon that illuminated the forehead of Lord Ram’s idol, symbolizing celestial alignment and spiritual harmony.
Meanwhile, Chitrakoot turned into a shimmering sea of faith as 22 lakh diyas were lit across the city, celebrating Lord Ram’s divine presence. The glowing lamps cast a spellbinding aura, placing Chitrakoot firmly on the map of major spiritual tourism circuits in India.
Reviving History: Restoration of Jhansi’s Barua Sagar Fort
In a significant heritage conservation move, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, in collaboration with Neemrana Hotels, initiated the restoration of Barua Sagar Fort in Jhansi. A traditional Vedic Yagna on the fort’s ramparts marked the ceremonial beginning of this project. Once a summer retreat of Rani Laxmi Bai, the fort is now set to become a thriving cultural landmark, blending historical grandeur with modern tourism potential.
Remembering Baba Saheb: Ambedkar Jayanti Celebrations in Lucknow
On Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti, Hon’ble Minister Shri Jaiveer Singh paid homage at the Ambedkar Memorial in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, during the “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhiman” programme. A special exhibition showcased Baba Saheb’s ideals and contributions, with active participation from the Department of Tourism, highlighting the state’s respect for constitutional values and social harmony.
Strengthening Spiritual Tourism in Prayagraj
In an effort to amplify Prayagraj’s spiritual tourism potential, Principal Secretary Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram met with Shri Harjinder Singh, President of the Prayagraj Hotels and Restaurants Association. The discussion focused on leveraging the city’s religious heritage, particularly during events like the Magh Mela and Kumbh, to offer transformative and holistic pilgrim experiences.
Honouring a Forgotten Hero: Tribute to Raja Narpati Singh Raikwar
As part of the Vijayotsav in Ruiyagarhi, Hardoi, Hon’ble CM Yogi Adityanath paid floral tribute to Freedom Fighter Raja Narpati Singh Raikwar, a key figure in the First War of Independence (1857). The event also featured rural handicraft stalls, where women artisans showcased local products under the rural tourism mission, underlining the state’s dedication to both historical pride and economic empowerment.
Celebrating World Heritage Day Across Uttar Pradesh
To mark World Heritage Day, vibrant heritage walks were organized across cities such as Jhansi and Lucknow. Participants explored the historical trails of Rani Lakshmi Bai, architectural marvels, and the Nawabi grandeur that define the cultural soul of these cities. These initiatives served as a reminder of Uttar Pradesh’s layered history and its efforts to preserve and promote it.
Conclusion: A Month That United Past, Present, and Future
April 2025 stood as a testament to Uttar Pradesh’s holistic tourism vision—where devotion meets strategy, heritage meets innovation, and local empowerment meets global ambition. Through landmark celebrations, policy planning, and inclusive growth, the state continues to inspire the world with its cultural depth and transformative tourism initiatives.