UP CM Yogi Adityanath Announces Renaming of Bhadohi on Ravidas Anniversary

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that Bhadohi district will be renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar as part of the celebrations marking the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas. The announcement was made during a programme organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Seer Govardhan in Varanasi, the birthplace of the revered saint. The decision revives an earlier name that had been changed by successive state governments over the years.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the district would once again officially be known as Sant Ravidas Nagar in honour of the 15th-century saint and social reformer. He also announced that the park where the commemorative event was held would be dedicated to Sant Ravidas. The programme formed part of a series of events organised to mark the saint's 650th birth anniversary and celebrate his contributions to social equality and spiritual teachings.

The district's name has undergone multiple changes over the past two decades. During Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati's tenure as Chief Minister between 2007 and 2012, Bhadohi was renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar. However, after the Samajwadi Party came to power, the Akhilesh Yadav government restored the district's original name, Bhadohi. Yogi Adityanath's latest announcement signals a return to the earlier designation adopted during the BSP administration.

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During his address, the Chief Minister highlighted Sant Ravidas's enduring influence on Indian society and emphasised the state government's commitment to preserving the legacy of great saints and reformers. He said the renaming of the district was intended as a tribute to Sant Ravidas's message of equality, social harmony and devotion, adding that the decision aligned with ongoing efforts to recognise personalities who have shaped India's cultural and spiritual heritage.

The event was attended by BJP leaders, public representatives and devotees, who paid floral tributes at the statue of Sant Ravidas at Seer Govardhan village. The birthplace of Sant Ravidas has become an important centre for followers from across the country, with commemorative programmes held regularly to honour his life and teachings. The state government has also undertaken various development initiatives in the area to improve infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims.

The renaming of Bhadohi will require the completion of formal administrative procedures before the change comes into official effect. Once implemented, government records, official correspondence and public signage are expected to be updated to reflect the district's new name, Sant Ravidas Nagar, restoring the designation previously used before it was changed during the Samajwadi Party government.

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