Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday provided financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each to 555 pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The assistance was distributed in a special program organized by the Tourism Department at Lok Bhavan, with funds directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to facilitate expensive and arduous religious journeys and encourage more citizens to undertake such pilgrimages.
Making the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Accessible
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi said that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, considered highly sacred in Sanatan Dharma, is both challenging and expensive. The financial aid scheme aims to ensure that pilgrims can complete the journey without economic stress.
He highlighted that earlier, due to limited infrastructure and resources, only a small number of people could undertake such trips. “Now, with improved infrastructure and facilities, these journeys are becoming more accessible to the general public,” he said.
How Pilgrims Avail the Financial Assistance
The scheme is applicable to permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh. Eligible pilgrims can apply for the assistance after completing the yatra. The Tourism Department verifies necessary documents and travel certificates, and the aid is transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
To further support pilgrims, the government has established a state-of-the-art Kailash Mansarovar Bhawan in Ghaziabad, serving as a key transit and rest facility for travelers.
Religious Tourism in Uttar Pradesh
Citing data, CM Yogi noted that in 2025, approximately 164 crore pilgrims visited various religious sites across the state. This includes 66 crore visitors to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, as well as millions at Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, and Mathura-Vrindavan.
He emphasized that such large pilgrim inflows are both an opportunity and a challenge, and the government is working to enhance connectivity, infrastructure, and facilities for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Promoting Religious Tourism and Pilgrim Welfare
CM Yogi announced that the government is actively taking steps to develop religious sites, facilitate pilgrimages, and incentivize pilgrims. The ₹1 lakh assistance for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a major step in making these journeys affordable, particularly for economically weaker sections.
He also revealed plans to provide similar facilities for the Rameshwar Yatra, further underlining the state’s commitment to promoting religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh.
Government Commitment to Pilgrim Support
The scheme reflects the Uttar Pradesh government’s broader vision of supporting pilgrims, preserving religious traditions, and boosting religious tourism. By offering financial assistance and improving infrastructure, the state ensures that sacred journeys are safe, accessible, and affordable for all citizens.
