The inclination of the youth has changed in the new year 2026. Instead of discos and hill stations, lakhs of youth are visiting Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura. Yogi government’s religious-tourism development has given new impetus to spiritual and cultural awakening.
Lucknow. Whereas earlier the youth, influenced by western culture, used to go to discos, hotels, restaurants and hill stations to celebrate the New Year, this year a big change is being seen in it. The impact of the extensive religious and tourism development that has taken place in Uttar Pradesh in almost nine and a quarter years of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rule is now clearly visible.
Spiritual beginning of New Year in Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan and Ayodhya
This year, lakhs of youth are starting the New Year by visiting and worshiping their deities in Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan and Ayodhya. This trend has become a symbol of the spiritual and cultural renaissance that started from Uttar Pradesh, in which the youth of not only the state but the entire country are enthusiastically participating.
Record crowd of lakhs of youth at major pilgrimage sites
According to the Tourism Department, several days before the New Year, a large number of young tourists have started arriving at the major pilgrimage sites of the state – Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan and Prayagraj. On December 29 and 30 alone, more than 5 lakh devotees had darshan of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya. At the same time, in three days, 10 lakh devotees in Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and more than 3 lakh devotees in Mathura had darshan and worship, among which youth were the highest.
Administration alert for 31st December and 1st January
Keeping in view the possibility of further increase in the number of devotees on December 31 and January 1, the administration has made special security arrangements. Besides, guidelines have also been issued for the convenience of the devotees, so that the darshan can be conducted smoothly.
Spiritual New Year hashtags trending on social media
This trend of celebrating New Year at religious places is clearly visible on social media also. Hashtags like #NewYear2026InAyodhya, #NewYear2026InKashi and #SpiritualNewYear are trending. The youth are sharing photos and selfies taken with friends and family during darshan and worship on social media.
An atmosphere of spiritual celebration is being created like Maha Kumbh
A similar trend was seen last year during the divine Mahakumbh organized in Prayagraj, where devotees and tourists from India and abroad created a world record by registering their presence. The religious and cultural upliftment under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath has given a new direction to the spiritual consciousness within the youth.
Sanatan culture is a symbol of celebration and joy: Vishwa Bhushan Mishra
Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, Chief Executive Officer of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, says that Sanatan culture is the center of celebration, enthusiasm and joy. In the present times, whether it is Indian festivals or Western festivals, the number of devotees at the centers of Sanatan Aastha has increased unprecedentedly.
Tourism gets new momentum due to revival of religious places
Due to the efforts of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, many ancient temples including the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Vindhyachal, Naimisharanya, Sambhal and Shukratirtha in Muzaffarnagar have been renovated. With better road, rail and air connectivity to these destinations, hotel and tourism facilities have also developed.
Youth connecting with cultural roots
The grand festivals organized by the Department of Tourism and Culture have increased the attraction towards Sanatan culture and traditions among the youth. These efforts of CM Yogi Adityanath have not only boosted tourism in Uttar Pradesh, but the youth are also connecting strongly with their cultural roots.