States » NorthPosted at: Oct 25 2026 1:44PM


From ashram to riverfront, Yogi govt expands UP’s Valmiki heritage push

Lucknow, Oct 25 (UNI) A riverfront ghat, a parikrama route and an aarti site are extending Uttar Pradesh’s Valmiki heritage programme across the sacred landscape of Lalapur in Chitrakoot. Alongside a nearly completed tourism facility centre, the projects will give pilgrims more accessible spaces to experience the traditions associated with the Ramayana’s author.

Ahead of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti on October 26, the development at Lalapur highlights the Yogi Adityanath government’s effort to connect cultural recognition with infrastructure at places associated with the sage. The wider programme includes sites in Ayodhya and Etawah, forming part of Uttar Pradesh’s work on Ramayana heritage and pilgrimage tourism.

UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the government was developing destinations associated with the epic through the Ramayana Circuit and Ram Van Gaman Path.
“Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, we are working to conserve and develop sites associated with Maharishi Valmiki. These projects will preserve his legacy while improving facilities for devotees. His life remains an inspiration for learning, self realisation and positive change,” Mr Singh said.
At Lalapur, three projects taken up in the 2025 to 2026 financial year have a combined value of approximately Rs 15.97 crore. These comprise Valmiki Ghat on the Tamasa Ganga river at Rs 9.05 crore, a parikrama route and aarti site at the ashram at Rs 5.26 crore, and development of the ancient Hanuman temple at Rs 1.66 crore.
Construction of the Rs 11.21 crore tourism facility centre near the ashram is almost complete. Earlier works include installation of a bronze statue standing 12.5 feet tall for Rs 19.95 lakh and ashram development costing Rs 184.95 lakh.
The programme also provides Rs 107.48 lakh for tourism development at Maharishi Valmiki Ashram in Dostpur, Ayodhya, and Rs 83.17 lakh for the ancient Valmiki temple at Bela village in Etawah. On completion, the projects are intended to improve access, lighting, seating, shade and other basic facilities for visitors.
Valmiki’s recognition also extends to Ayodhya’s identity as a tourism destination. Its international airport bears his name, while Valmiki Bhawan, also known as Ramayana Bhawan, preserves his literary legacy through the complete Sanskrit Ramayana inscribed on its walls.
Revered as the Adikavi, or first poet, Valmiki is credited with the 24,000-verse Ramayana. The epic’s traditions also remember his ashram as a refuge for Sita and a place of learning for Luv and Kush. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Pragat Diwas.
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat said preserving these places would help future generations engage with that inheritance.
“Our objective is to conserve and develop sites associated with Maharishi Valmiki and give them national and international recognition. Better tourism facilities will make these sacred places easier to visit and help future generations draw inspiration from his life, literature and ideals,” he said.
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Tags: #From ashram to riverfront# Yogi govt expands UP’s Valmiki heritage push
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