Lucknow: As many as 22 projects worth around Rs 83 crore have been taken up at prominent Devi temples across Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the state’s Shaktipeeth Tourism Circuit, extending the initiative beyond major pilgrimage centres to locally revered shrines.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh reviewed the progress of work on the circuit on Wednesday. He spoke to the media at Badi Kali Mandir in Chowk, Lucknow, after offering prayers and inaugurating Navratri cultural programmes at 26 Devi temples under Mission Shakti.The 22 projects at 20 Devi destinations across 19 districts form part of wider tourism development undertaken since 2017, which the minister said had benefited Devi temples across all 75 districts.“Under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, we are bringing locally revered Devi temples into tourism development so that the traditions sustained by generations of devotees receive wider recognition. Navratri also reminds us that reverence for Shakti must reflect in women’s dignity, safety and participation in everyday life,” Singh said.The state’s Shaktipeeth Tourism Circuit includes Shakumbhari Devi in Saharanpur, Lalita Devi in Naimisharanya, Devipatan in Balrampur, Vindhyavasini Devi in Vindhyachal and Vishalakshi Devi in Varanasi. Development has also covered Maa Rukmani Gala Mata in Bijnor, Gunga Devi in Pilibhit, Karmail Mata in Deoria and Deva Mata in Lalitpur.At Shakumbhari Devi Shaktipeeth, three projects worth nearly Rs 39 crore include a tourist rest house, an open-air theatre, improvements to the pedestrian walkway and other visitor amenities. Other major projects include Rs 15.23 crore at Lalita Devi Temple and Rs 6.30 crore for beautification of the Maa Chandrika Devi complex in Lucknow.The initiative also aims to link pilgrimage with local livelihoods by creating opportunities for self-help groups, artisans, flower and prasad sellers, guides and families providing food and accommodation.
