Sanatan Glory Restored Under Yogi Government, Youth Show Increased Craze for Kashi, Mathura, and Ayodhya

Trend of religious tourism among youth increases in the New Year; millions of young people visiting Kashi, Mathura, and Ayodhya

Social media abuzz with the trend of celebrating New Year in Kashi, Ayodhya, and Mathura

Improved road, rail, and air connectivity boosts tourist numbers

Lucknow, December 31 2025 : In previous years, young people used to celebrate the New Year inspired by Western culture, heading to discos, hotels, restaurants, and hill stations. This year, a significant shift is being observed. During the nearly nine years of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s governance, the development of religious and tourist sites in Uttar Pradesh has resulted in youth starting the New Year in large numbers by visiting and offering prayers at their deities in Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Ayodhya. This is the wave of spiritual and cultural renaissance rising from Uttar Pradesh, with youth from across the state and the country participating with enthusiasm and energy.

Millions of youth visiting Kashi, Mathura, and Ayodhya
According to the Tourism Department, even several days before the New Year, millions of young tourists arrived at major pilgrimage sites such as Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Prayagraj. On December 29-30 alone, over 500,000 tourists visited Ayodhya to have darshan of Lord Shri Ram, while 1 million visited the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in the last three days, and over 300,000 visited Mathura. The majority of these were young tourists. On December 31 and January 1, even more devotees are expected, prompting special security arrangements and guidelines for convenience.

Trend visible on social media
This trend of celebrating the New Year at religious sites is also evident on social media, with hashtags like #NewYear2026InAyodhya, #NewYear2026InKashi, and #SpiritualNewYear trending. Youth are visiting these sites, performing darshan and puja, and uploading selfies with friends and family. A similar trend was observed last year during the grand Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which attracted devotees and tourists from across India and the world, setting a global record.

Vishwabhushan Mishra, Chief Executive Officer of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, said, “Sanatan culture is a shelter of festivals, enthusiasm, and joy. All global festivals reach their zenith in Sanatan tradition. Folk festivals often reflect the conduct of the contemporary rulers. Hence, it is natural that in the present era, devotees flock to centers of Sanatan faith during every festival, whether Indian or Western.”

Tourism boosted by temple and pilgrimage site revival
Thanks to CM Yogi Adityanath’s efforts, grand developments like the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, and restoration of Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Vindhyachal, Naimisharanya, Sambhal, and Shukratairth in Muzaffarnagar have infused young people with new energy for Sanatan culture and traditions. These sites were neglected under previous governments. Improved road, rail, and air connectivity, along with better accommodation, hotels, and restaurant facilities, has facilitated access to major pilgrimage sites. Additionally, the organization of grand festivals by the Tourism and Culture Department has increased the attraction of youth toward these religious sites. CM Yogi Adityanath’s initiatives have not only boosted tourism in the state but also allowed youth to reconnect with their cultural roots.

Team Maverick.