Firozabad, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : The Uttar Pradesh government is embarking on an ambitious project to develop a grand pilgrimage site at the birthplace of Neem Karoli Baba in Akbarpur, Firozabad. Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh announced this initiative on September 10, detailing plans to allocate substantial funds for the project over the past three years.
A total of 2.24 acres of land has been acquired to create this significant spiritual destination. The government aims to integrate Neem Karoli Baba’s birthplace, the meditation site in Farrukhabad, and the samadhi site in Vrindavan into a new tourism circuit, designated as the 13th ‘Neem Karoli Maharaj Circuit’ in the state.
Minister Singh emphasized the importance of Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings, highlighting his message of simplicity, dedication, and spirituality as vital for society. The government has committed to developing his birthplace into a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction, with ongoing budget allocations aimed at enhancing tourism facilities and infrastructure.
For the fiscal year 2023-24, ₹8.62 crore has been earmarked for the development of Neem Karoli Baba’s birthplace. An additional ₹2.22 crore has been allocated for 2025-26, along with a project approval for ₹8 crore this year. The government has also decided to acquire surrounding land to ensure the site is developed to its fullest potential.
In addition, proposals have been made to upgrade National Highway NH-2, which connects Delhi to Kolkata, to a four-lane road to improve accessibility to the site.
Apart from the birthplace in Akbarpur, the meditation site in Farrukhabad, located near the Sankisa Buddhist pilgrimage site, will also be included in the development plans. Minister Singh noted that this location is famous for a miracle attributed to Neem Karoli Baba, where he allegedly stopped a train. The samadhi site in Vrindavan, where he attained enlightenment, will also be part of the new circuit.
This initiative aims to facilitate easy access for devotees from across the country and the world, allowing them to visit these sacred sites and draw inspiration from Neem Karoli Baba’s life and teachings. The government hopes to honor his legacy and promote spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh.
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