Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled a 51-foot statue of Lord Hanuman at Harhua in Varanasi on Saturday, a project spearheaded by the Jai Hanuman Shri Peeth Trust. The statue, positioned along Airport Road in the Kazi Sarai area, aims to serve as both a religious and cultural symbol, drawing pilgrims and enhancing the spiritual heritage of Varanasi. During the ceremony, Adityanath performed traditional rituals and addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of preserving India’s cultural icons and fostering community connections through such initiatives.
Reflecting on the significance of Lord Hanuman as a symbol of strength and devotion, Adityanath said, “The establishment of this statue not only honors our religious roots but strengthens the unity of our communities.” He emphasized that religious monuments like these not only attract tourism but also reinforce spiritual values for future generations. The unveiling event witnessed a gathering of local residents, spiritual leaders, and tourists, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere of reverence and celebration.
The ceremony underscores the state government’s ongoing commitment to promoting religious tourism and enhancing Varanasi’s status as a spiritual center. By positioning these monumental religious installations, the government aims to boost local economies and draw in more visitors to the city, which is already renowned for its rich religious history. The statue unveiling is part of broader cultural initiatives by Adityanath’s administration, who has emphasized the value of connecting with India’s spiritual heritage through similar projects across the state.
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Similar large-scale Hanuman statues in India often have significant financial backing due to the intricacies of sculpting and the durability required for long-term installations. For context, other notable statues, like the 108-foot statue unveiled in Lucknow, have involved multi-crore budgets.