In a move to promote spiritual tourism and religious inclusivity, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched two dedicated pilgrimage schemes — one each for followers of Buddhism and Sikhism. Under these schemes, each selected pilgrim will receive financial assistance of ₹10,000 to cover travel and related expenses.

Announced by the Tourism and Culture Department, these schemes aim to make spiritual travel more accessible for economically weaker sections while showcasing the rich religious heritage of the state. The Buddhist circuit will include sacred sites like Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Kapilvastu, whereas the Sikh circuit will cover important gurudwaras, including those in Sahaspur (Bijnor) and Nanakmatta Sahib.

The initiative not only reflects the state’s commitment to cultural inclusivity but also seeks to position Uttar Pradesh as a central hub of religious and heritage tourism. The application process will be managed through the tourism department’s official portal, with eligibility criteria ensuring genuine beneficiaries.

This announcement comes amid a broader push by the Yogi Adityanath government to revive religious tourism across the state, with similar efforts seen in the Ramayan and Krishna circuits as well.

With these schemes, the state aims to blend devotion with development, allowing pilgrims to explore their spiritual roots while contributing to the local economy.