Surge in Pilgrimage Tourism in Uttar Pradeshs Vindhya Triangle: 60% Increase in Visitors Over Two Years

Mirzapur, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : In Mirzapur, the religious tourism landscape is expanding significantly beyond the revered Maa Vindhyavasini Temple to encompass the entire Vindhya Triangle. In 2025, nearly 18.4 million devotees visited the temples of Maa Vindhyavasini, Maa Kali Khoh, and Maa Ashtabhuja. This marks a substantial increase from approximately 11.5 million visitors in 2023, indicating a remarkable 60% rise in pilgrim numbers over the two-year period. The ancient pilgrimage route is emerging as a new identity for religious tourism.

The number of visitors to Maa Vindhyavasini Dham has been on a steady rise. In 2023, about 7.3 million devotees visited the temple, which increased to approximately 7.8 million in 2024, and reached around 12 million in 2025. This represents a significant 64% growth in just two years. The trend continues into 2026, with around 9 million pilgrims having visited from January to August alone, which is about 75% of the total visitors from the previous year.

Notably, these figures were recorded before the Sharadiya Navratri festival, which typically sees an influx of pilgrims, suggesting that visitor numbers could set new records during this period. The surge in attendance is also evident at Maa Kali Khoh and Maa Ashtabhuja temples, where about 4.2 million devotees visited in 2023, rising to nearly 6.4 million in 2025, reflecting a growth of over 51%.

Data indicates that visitors to Vindhyachal are increasingly making the rounds to all three temples, enhancing the allure of the Vindhya Triangle as a prime destination for religious tourism. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh noted that the growing number of pilgrims showcases the positive impact of development initiatives. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath‘s leadership, Vindhyachal Dham is being developed as a comprehensive spiritual tourism site, aiming to connect domestic and international visitors with Uttar Pradesh’s rich tradition of power worship.

The state is investing approximately ₹208.09 crore to enhance facilities for pilgrims and revamp religious sites. Improvements include better access roads, the parikrama path, and amenities around the main temple complex. Additionally, a ropeway has been introduced to facilitate easier access to the hilltop temples, particularly benefiting the elderly and families.

Furthermore, a ₹35.5 crore project aimed at developing the Maa Kali Khoh area is set to enter the tender phase this October. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to developing the entire Vindhya Triangle as a well-equipped religious tourism zone, rather than focusing solely on the main temple.

To enhance organized religious tourism, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has launched two special travel packages under the ‘Visit My State’ initiative. The first package offers a two-day, one-night itinerary combining Varanasi and Vindhyachal, allowing tourists to visit the temples and ghats. The second package spans two nights and three days, linking Lucknow, Varanasi, Vindhyachal, and Prayagraj into a cohesive religious circuit.

Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism, Culture, and Charitable Work Department, emphasized that the increasing number of pilgrims strengthens the state’s circuit-based tourism strategy. The government aims to improve connectivity and facilities for pilgrims, making their journeys smoother through well-organized travel packages. This approach not only boosts visitor stays but also benefits local businesses and communities.

The promotion of the Vindhya Triangle pilgrimage is expected to strengthen the local economy. The influx of pilgrims can enhance services such as hotels, transportation, guiding, and food, while also expanding the flower, garland, and prasad businesses. This growth in religious tourism could create new employment opportunities at the local level.