(From Sacred Temples to Storybook Villages: Mirzapur Leads India’s Rural Tourism Revolution- Jaiveer Singh)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
LUCKNOW | 11 JULY 2025
Mirzapur, a region renowned for its deep cultural heritage and breath-taking views, is steadily carving its place as a forerunner in the next wave of rural tourism in India. At the heart of this region lies the ancient and revered Maa Vidhyavasini Temple, a sacred site that draws thousands of pilgrims who come with unwavering faith in the deity. Yet beyond the temple’s divine presence, lies a countryside brimming with untapped potential a landscape ripe for transformation into a hub of sustainable, culturally rich tourism.
In a bold move to harness this potential, the Department of Tourism is embarking on an ambitious initiative to develop Mirzapur and its surrounding districts Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, and Bhadohi into vibrant centre for rural and agro-tourism. With the support of trained consultants and experts, a comprehensive strategy will be rolled out in five phases, initially focusing on eight selected villages. The aim is to breathe new life into these communities by promoting local culture, crafts, and rural livelihoods through thoughtful tourism experiences.
Uttar Pradesh, Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh said, “The vision is holistic. Each village will have its own coordinator, backed by district and state-level teams comprising tourism and rural development experts. These teams will guide the creation of at least four operational homestays in every village, equipped with modern amenities and digital payment facilities to ensure ease for tourists. To foster genuine engagement, local guides and storytellers will be trained, transforming simple visits into vibrant narratives of life in rural India.”
What makes this initiative even more compelling is its strong focus on local craftsmanship. Artisans skilled in traditional forms such as zari-zardozi embroidery, moonj grass weaving, wooden toy-making, and other ODOP (One District One Product) crafts will be integrated into the tourism ecosystem. These crafts will not only be showcased but also sold through specially created retail outlets in the villages, each equipped with POS and QR code systems to support modern transactions.
Social media will serve as a powerful tool in amplifying the voices and stories of these villages. Dedicated accounts for each selected village will share regular updates in form of photos, reels, and videos bringing the rustic charm of Mirzapur’s countryside to screens across the globe. Training sessions, orientation programs, and tourism-friendly events will be conducted every quarter, ensuring continuous community involvement and development.
Partnerships with national, state, and local tour operators will ensure that these villages are not just discovered but celebrated by a broader audience. High-quality documentaries and success stories, shared in both Hindi and English, will further elevate the region’s profile and inspire similar initiatives across the country. What’s unfolding in Mirzapur is more than just a tourism project; it’s a revival of forgotten crafts, quiet villages, and age-old traditions.
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