Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially launched ‘Rangotsav 2025’ in Barsana, Mathura, during a one-day visit to the region. On this occasion, he announced that after revitalizing Kashi and Ayodhya, the next focus will be the development of Mathura and Braj Bhoomi.

The Chief Minister began the event by offering prayers at the Shri Ladli Ji Maharaj temple and inaugurating the festival of colors with the traditional Laddumar Holi along with a floral celebration. In his speech, he highlighted Braj as a land of devotion, embodying over 5,000 years of Sanatan culture, where the divine essence of Shri Radha and Shri Krishna can be felt in every particle.

CM Yogi emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is fortunate to house Kashi, Ayodhya, and Mathura—three revered pilgrimage sites that represent eternal symbols of Sanatan unity. He attributed the establishment of a new tradition of heritage preservation and development to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting the success of the recently concluded Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.

Additionally, the Chief Minister remarked on the strong response from devoted followers against those who question Sanatan Dharma and spread misinformation. Describing Holi as a festival that promotes unity and harmony, he pointed out that while the Mahakumbh conveyed a message of togetherness to the world, Holi fortifies that spirit. He praised the rich traditions of Sanatan Dharma, spotlighting the renowned Lathmar Holi and Laddumar Holi of Barsana as exemplars of this cultural legacy.

CM Yogi announced that significant funding has been allocated in this year’s budget for the advancement of Braj Bhoomi, with projects worth crores aimed at linking Barsana to new growth opportunities. For the first time, a ropeway service has been introduced in Barsana. He stated, “After the successful Mahakumbh, our focus has now shifted to the development of this sacred land, following the transformation of Kashi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Maa Vindhyavasini Dham.”

The Chief Minister assured that development efforts in Mathura, Barsana, and Braj Bhoomi will be boundless. Expressing his devotion to Shri Radharani Ji during Holi, he committed to working diligently for the region’s advancement. Referencing the recent governmental changes in Delhi, he reiterated the pledge to rejuvenate the Yamuna River, aiming for it to be as clean and uninterrupted as the Ganga.

During the event, CM Yogi honored saints and shared Holi and Rangotsav greetings with devotees from both India and abroad. He underscored that Barsana represents Brahma, Nandgaon symbolizes Shiva, and Govardhan embodies Vishnu, making Braj Bhoomi a source of blessings for all followers of Sanatan Dharma. He further highlighted how the “double-engine government” ensures security, development, and prosperity.

On this festive occasion of Holi, the Chief Minister expressed his belief that the development of Braj Bhoomi would gain renewed momentum. He visited the Shri Ladli Ji Maharaj temple to pray for the welfare of the state.

Present at the event were notable figures, including saints Vinod Baba, Ramsukh Das, Madhavdas Mouni Baba, Phalahari Baba, ministers Sandeep Singh, Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan, Rajya Sabha MP Tejveer Singh, MLAs Meghshyam Singh, Puran Prakash, Rajesh Chaudhary, Yogesh Chaudhary, Om Prakash Singh, Mayor Vinod Agarwal, District Panchayat President Kishan Chaudhary, BJP Regional President Durvijay Singh, BJP leader Nirbhay Pandey, Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi, Nagar Panchayat President Barsana Vijay Singh, and Vice President of Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad Shailaja Kant Mishra. Geetanjali Sharma and her group delivered a special dance presentation on the ‘Holi of Flowers.’

During his visit, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also reviewed the progress of various regional development projects. Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad, Shailaja Kant Mishra, briefed him on the completion of development works worth approximately Rs 29 crore.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that ongoing projects in the Braj area are completed on time and uphold high-quality standards. Shailaja Kant Mishra highlighted significant projects in Barsana, including the Radharani Kitchen, facade lighting at the Shri Radharani Temple, and the introduction of a ropeway facility based on the PPP model, marking a first for facilitating access to the temple.

Additional developments included the Yatri Jan Suvidha Kendra near Govardhan Drain, facade lighting at Priya Kund Peeli Pokhar, and a PWD Guest House Facilitation Centre. CM Yogi praised these initiatives, asserting that the Braj region is a pivotal center of Sanatan culture and vowed to accelerate its development.

He instructed officials to expedite the completion of all projects in the Braj region, particularly in Barsana, stressing the importance of high standards to benefit both pilgrims and locals.