LUCKNOW, March 17 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while distributing financial assistance of Rs1 lakh each to 555 pilgrims who returned from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at a programme held here on Tuesday, gave a clear message of coordination between faith, culture and development.
He said, “The faith of crores of devotees witnessed in events like the Prayagraj Mahakumbh not only reflects India’s cultural strength but also gives new momentum to the state’s economy. With this vision, the government is strengthening the resolve of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ by making pilgrimages more convenient, safe and accessible”.
While welcoming the pilgrims who returned from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the Chief Minister also informed that completing this journey amidst difficulties, challenges and adverse natural conditions is an extraordinary spiritual experience.
He added that in earlier times, people used the resources earned through their own efforts for travel and service, which provided them not only spiritual merit but also a new perspective to understand society.
“The establishment of religious sites across India is also rooted in this spirit. The establishment of four Peeths in all directions by Adi Shankaracharya is a testament to this cultural unity, when, despite different systems of governance, India existed as a cultural nation. Even today, this tradition continues, and it is necessary to maintain the sanctity and dignity of religious journeys by keeping faith at the forefront so that future generations continue to be inspired by these values,” he said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “Giving priority to the convenience of pilgrims, the Kailash Mansarovar Bhavan was constructed in Ghaziabad in the year 2017-18, which serves as the first stop of the journey and where necessary formalities of the Ministry of External Affairs are completed. With changing times, the nature of pilgrimages has also evolved. The number of pilgrims has increased rapidly. In the year 2025, about 164 crore devotees visited the state, out of which 66 crore came to the Prayagraj Mahakumbh alone. The increasing number of devotees at major pilgrimage sites such as Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura Vrindavan is both a challenge and an opportunity. Keeping this in mind, the government is continuously strengthening transportation, accommodation and other basic facilities.”
On this occasion, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, MLA O.P. Srivastava, Legislative Council Members Mukesh Sharma and Ramchandra Pradhan, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs Department Amit Abhijat, Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Committee K.K. Singh and other officials were present.
(UNI)
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