Govt to restore ancient Shiva temples across state
Officials informed that 188 ancient temples were identified and rejuvenated in the past eight years and now the focus is on to identify and renovate Shiva temples across the state aiming to boost religious tourism.
The old temples and their premises that have been identified for infrastructure upgrades include Shiv Mandir in Bhatta Ki Pipri (Mevalikhurd), Fatehabad (Agra) and Chakleshwar Mahadev and Samaur Baba temples in Firozabad, which are being rennovated through UP Projects Corporation Limited.
Whereas, UP State Tourism Development Corporation has been given the responsibility to enhance facilities at Bhuleshwar, Khajni Mahadev, and Jharkhandi Mahadev temples in Gorakhpur, and Tirre Manorama Temple in Gonda. The government is also working on the beautification of Ghanta Ghar in Mainpuri.
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Mint
a day ago
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In Pics: Kawariyas across India travel to Haridwar to collect holy Ganga water
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Time of India
2 days ago
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Walk Of Faith That Brings City To Life. And Halt
New Delhi: For a few weeks each year, Delhi slows down, not the traffic, but the city's tone. The sense of urgency diminishes, the noise changes. Roads normally jammed with honking cars and office-bound buses now also echo with chants of 'Har har Mahadev!' This is time for the kanwar yatra and the capital, every year, surrenders to its fervour. Starting from July 11 this year and going on till July 23, the yatra sees lakhs of devotees from across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi passing through the capital, most of them headed for Hardwar, Gaumukh or Gangotri to collect holy Ganga water. They carry the water back, most of them barefooted, to offer at Shiva temples in their localities. The last three days of the yatra tend to be the busiest, with massive movement of the kanwariyas. As many as three crore kanwariyas are expected to walk on city roads during the period. There's also transformation of the city's landscape: saffron flags flutter everywhere, loudspeakers blasting Bholenath's bhajans on loop, the air smells faintly of incense and fried snacks, and everywhere there are barefoot pilgrims garbed in orange, some carrying simple bamboo kanwars, others hauling elaborate, LED-lit, mirror-decked ones that brighten up the night. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo They walk for hours, often six or more, with a stick in hand for balance and safety, usually in groups. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Yellow and orange camps pop up regularly, some modest, others well organised. This year, Delhi has over 370 registered camps, more than double the number from last year. Many are equipped with air coolers, first-aid stations, fluffy mattresses and full meal arrangements. Some kanwariyas can be seen resting, bathing or just chatting after long hours of walking. The camp put up by Mayapuri Kanwar Sangh is so big that it can accommodate around 2,500 kanwariyas at a time. The elaborate food menu adds to the generosity of the organisers. The marchers enjoy fruits and plates of matar-kulcha or aloo tikki, handed out by local volunteers. Raju Mahajan, 57, one of the core organisers, knows that journey first-hand. His first yatra was in 1997. "Back then, there were hardly any camps for kanwariyas," he recalled. "That's how the sangh was born. To serve others — from devotion to duty." But not all camps are built for personal devotion alone. Some convey a different message. In Jaffrabad, one shelter stands out. Named Sadbhavna, it has been set up beside a mosque and is run entirely by members of the Muslim community. For them, it's more than just a resting spot for devotees of another religion. It's a symbol of harmony, of shared streets and common humanity. Seelampur MLA Zubair Chaudhary said the camp was first set up in 1994 in an attempt to curb communal disharmony in the area. It was the initiative of Chaudhary's father, Chaudhary Mateen Ahmed, a five-time Congress MLA. While the Chaudharys shifted allegiance to the Aam Aadmi Party before this year's assembly elections, the 31-year-old tradition of Muslims showering kanwariyas with rose petals continues. "Before 1994, when kanwariyas walked past our locality, fights, even riots, would break out. The resident here did not understand their chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole' or 'Har har Mahadev' and felt they were being provoked. The tension would carry forward to Seelampur, where Muslims were targeted in retaliation," disclosed the legislator. On Friday, when namaz was on, prayers were halted in respect of the kanwariyas when they appeared on the street. 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News18
2 days ago
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Echoes Of Kashi: Walk Through Varanasi With UP's Audiobook That Tells Ganga's Tales In 13 Languages
Last Updated: UP Tourism is set to launch a GPS-enabled, app-integrated audiobook system that will guide your steps while covering all 84 ghats of Varanasi. the Ghats of Kashi will no longer remain silent. Instead, they will become living storytellers, speaking in 13 languages, narrating the legacy of gods and pilgrims, and inviting the world to not just see — but listen to — the soul of India. All this is set to become a reality as the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department embarks on a groundbreaking digital initiative to transform the way the world experiences Varanasi. They are going to launch a GPS-enabled, app-integrated audiobook system that will guide your steps while covering all 84 ghats of Varanasi. The idea is simple but powerful: to let visitors walk, sail, or even explore from afar while listening to professionally narrated content that brings to life the historical, religious, and cultural significance of each ghat — all through the UP Tourism mobile app. 'This digital audiobook will turn every walk along the Ganga into a spiritual and cultural journey. It's about telling Kashi's story the way it deserves to be heard — soulfully, accessibly, and globally," said Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism. Authentic Stories in 13 Languages Officials said the GPS-enabled audiobook will be programmed in Hindi and English, narrated by professional storytellers, and further translated into 13 languages using the Government of India's AI-powered Anuvadini platform. These include 8 Indian languages — Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Urdu — and 5 international ones — French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean. 'Kashi has always belonged to the world. This app will help people in Tokyo, Toronto, or Thiruvananthapuram connect with its divine rhythm," said Dr Shashikant Pandey, Head of Political Science at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University. Expert-Backed, Artistically Voiced Each ghat's script — limited to 2 minutes to retain listener interest — will be created by a team of researchers and vetted by a panel comprising historians, ASI officials, and cultural experts. This ensures factual accuracy and cultural sensitivity. These scripts will then be recorded by voice-over artists chosen specifically for their clarity, tone, and connection to the spiritual ethos of Varanasi. To enhance immersion, the background audio will include subtle effects — such as temple bells, river waves, conch sounds, or distant chants — designed not to overpower but enrich the narration. Offline Ready, Elder Friendly The app will also offer offline downloads so that users on boat rides or in areas with poor network connectivity can still access the content. The interface will be kept simple and intuitive, with pause/play options, chapter selection by ghat, and transcript toggles for the hearing impaired. 'Many elderly pilgrims or foreigners don't engage with printed guides or QR codes. This voice-led journey will feel more natural and accessible," noted Anupama Chauhan, Joint Director, UP Tourism. Rollout and Expansion Plans The rollout of the GPS-enabled audiobook system for Varanasi's 84 ghats will take place in three structured phases. Phase 1, covering the first three months, will focus on research, scriptwriting in Hindi and English, expert vetting by a panel of historians and ASI officials, and voiceover recording by professional artists. The content will then be translated into 13 languages using the AI-based Anuvadini platform. After editing and integration into the UP Tourism mobile app and website, with GPS-based triggers and offline access, the system will undergo internal testing and, following approval from the Tourism Department, be launched for public use. Phase 2 will span the next 36 months, focusing on content and technical maintenance, language updates, user feedback monitoring, and analytics reporting. The agency will ensure hosting support and smooth functionality across devices. Phase 3, an optional 24-month extension, may expand the system to nearby temples, heritage streets, or thematic trails, and potentially include advanced features such as AR/VR or AI-guided tours. This phased rollout ensures long-term sustainability and continuous enrichment of Varanasi's spiritual and cultural tourism experience. Transforming Heritage into a Living Classroom This initiative is not just about convenience or tourism numbers — it's about cultural preservation and emotional connectivity. 'You can build temples and pathways, but making people understand the spirit of a place — that requires storytelling. This app will be Kashi's voice," said Prof Rajeev Sinha, a historian involved in the content design process. With over 7 crore tourists visiting Varanasi in 2023 alone, including nearly 9 lakh foreigners, UP's Tourism Department hopes this step will boost experiential tourism, promote inclusivity, and create lasting emotional bonds between Kashi and its visitors. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
