To mark National Tourism Day 2026, Uttar Pradesh Tourism has launched an open for all creative initiative, with a special focus on engaging Gen Z, young creators, poets, writers and art enthusiasts.
The initiative is aimed at increasing awareness about the state’s tourism potential while encouraging younger generations to take pride in the state’s growing global recognition.
Participants are invited to create a 30-second reel, write poetry, or submit a watercolour painting inspired by Uttar Pradesh’s recent global milestones and recognised achievements.
These include landmark moments such as Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, which witnessed crores of devotees, Deepotsav 2025 in Ayodhya that created history by setting two Guinness World Records, and Lucknow being recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy for preserving its rich culinary heritage.
The listed highlights also reflect the state’s expanding tourism canvas, covering rural tourism recognition for Karikot Village in Bahraich at the Indian subcontinent level, the strengthening of the Global Buddhist Tourism Circuit across Kushinagar, Sarnath, Kaushambi and Kapilvastu, Kashi welcoming 146.97 million tourists in 2025, Uttar Pradesh being recognised as the Best Spiritual Tourism Destination, and Salkhan Fossils Park being added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Entries will be considered valid only if they are inspired by any eight of the officially listed highlights shared by Uttar Pradesh Tourism as part of the campaign guidelines.
Speaking on the initiative, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “National Tourism Day is an opportunity to involve people across age groups, especially the younger generation, in understanding Uttar Pradesh’s journey. Through creativity, we want young citizens to discover these milestones, feel proud of their origins and recognise the growing global stature of the state across faith, culture and heritage.”
Selected winners will be honoured at the National Tourism Day event organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, offering creators an opportunity to be recognised at a state-level platform.
Participants can register by scanning the QR code shared in the official creatives or by using the online registration link provided by Uttar Pradesh Tourism.
The last date for submission of entries is January 23, 2026.