Campus Times | Lucknow

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced free entry for schoolchildren and their families at museums and monuments managed by the State Archaeology Department during May and June 2026, as part of a wider initiative to promote domestic tourism, cultural engagement, and responsible resource use across the state.

The decision was taken during a high-level review chaired by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, who directed departments to align their functioning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for greater public participation in national interest initiatives.

Alongside the tourism push, the minister instructed officials to significantly reduce fuel and electricity consumption in government operations. Departments have been advised to minimise the use of official vehicles, encourage carpooling among officers travelling on the same route, and prefer public transport and metro services wherever possible. Offices have also been asked to limit electricity consumption and reduce air-conditioner usage, while avoiding opening offices on holidays unless absolutely necessary.

Heritage tourism and ‘Visit My State’ campaign to get major boost

The government is also planning an aggressive promotional campaign around Uttar Pradesh’s cultural and spiritual destinations under the “Visit My State” initiative. Cities and heritage circuits including Varanasi, Mathura, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Bundelkhand, Chitrakoot, Agra, Naimisharanya, and Shakumbhari Devi Temple will be promoted through branding and outreach campaigns aimed at attracting more visitors during the summer season.

Officials have also been asked to encourage destination weddings at tourism department properties and PPP-based hospitality units, tapping into Uttar Pradesh’s growing wedding tourism potential.

To make travel more affordable for families, Tourism Department-run Rahi Tourist Bungalows and hotels will offer discounts ranging from 20 to 25 percent for family travellers with children during May and June.

Cultural events, heritage walks and food experiences planned across state

The state government is also preparing a large-scale calendar of cultural and heritage activities to improve visitor engagement. Special cooking shows showcasing regional cuisines will be organised to introduce tourists and local residents to Uttar Pradesh’s traditional food culture.

In addition, heritage walks will be conducted at important historical sites to help visitors connect with the state’s rich legacy and architecture.

The Culture Department has also directed district administrations to organise cultural programmes, including devotional music performances, theatre productions, and folk events. Around 200 theatrical presentations have already been identified for staging across different districts and divisions of the state in the coming months.