Lucknow, March 17 Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Tuesday that the increase in the number of pilgrims visiting religious sites in Uttar Pradesh reflects both improved infrastructure and deepening public faith, even as it presents challenges for the government.
Addressing a gathering after distributing financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to 555 pilgrims of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, he said that earlier, only a limited number of devotees could undertake such journeys due to lack of resources, but the situation has changed significantly now.
There was a time when resources were limited and only a small number of devotees could travel. Today, facilities have improved in Uttar Pradesh, and you can see the large number of people coming, the CM said.
In 2025, Adityanath said that around 164 crore pilgrims visited various religious places across the state. The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh alone attracted 66 crore devotees.
He noted that places such as Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, and Mathura-Vrindavan have witnessed the arrival of crores of devotees.
"The arrival of such a large number of devotees is both an opportunity and a challenge. The government is making efforts at its level to provide better facilities, whether it be connectivity, amenities, or arrangements for pilgrims and tourists," the CM said.
Highlighting improvements in the past eight to nine years, Adityanath said that several facilities have been developed to promote religious tourism, and efforts are ongoing to further enhance them.
He emphasised that while visiting religious places, devotion should come first, followed by tourism and then entertainment, to preserve the sanctity and dignity of such sites.
"When we undertake religious journeys, devotion should come first, tourism next and entertainment later. This approach helps maintain the purity and sanctity of these places," he said.
Referring to the construction of the Kailash Mansarovar Bhavan in Ghaziabad in 2017-18, Adityanath said that it serves as a key facility centre for pilgrims completing formalities related to the yatra.
Responding to concerns about medical and other facilities during the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, he said the state government would coordinate with the Centre to improve arrangements.
"You may submit your suggestions. We will make efforts in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure better facilities in Ghaziabad itself in the coming time," he added.
Welcoming the pilgrims who returned from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the CM said that completing the journey amid hardships, challenges, and adverse natural conditions is a remarkable spiritual experience.
In Sanatan tradition, pilgrimages are not merely religious rituals but have long served as a powerful medium to unite society and bind the nation in a thread of unity, he said.
In earlier times, people would use the resources earned through their own efforts for travel and service, which not only earned them spiritual merit but also gave them a broader perspective to understand society, Adityanath said.
He added that this spirit also underlies the establishment of religious centres across India. The founding of monastic seats in all four directions by Adi Shankaracharya stands as evidence of this cultural unity, when despite different systems of governance, India was established as a cultural nation.
This tradition continues even today, and it is essential to preserve the sanctity and dignity of religious journeys by keeping faith paramount, so that future generations remain inspired by these values, he added.
The CM noted that since the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes place outside India, geographical and administrative challenges persist. In such a situation, the Centre and the state government can ensure better facilities within the country, while the onward journey requires cooperation from other nations.
He said that the "double-engine government" is focused on promoting the vast potential of religious tourism while creating development and employment opportunities.
Continuous efforts are being made to make religious journeys more convenient in the future, including initiatives to ease travel for devotees from Uttar Pradesh to Rameswaram, thereby strengthening the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat", he said.
The CM further said that pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh appreciated the state's improved roads, efficient arrangements, security, and positive environment.
Attempts were made by some elements to incite disruption during the event, but devotees rejected such efforts, making it clear that their faith remains paramount, he added.
This reflects that with true devotion, a person can overcome every difficulty and reach their destination, and with the same spirit, the government remains fully sensitive and committed to expanding facilities, he added.
