UP CM Yogi Offers Sacred Khichdi At Gorakhnath Temple An Makar Sankranti

Uttar Pradesh merges cultural celebrations with a major health initiative, unveiling UP-AIM, a Rs 2000 crore plan to enhance disease surveillance, telemedicine and digital health records, while Makar Sankranti festivities reflect the state’s commitment to heritage and welfare.

Uttar Pradesh is blending tradition with technology as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marks Makar Sankranti at Gorakhpur and unveils a major Artificial Intelligence health mission in Lucknow, underlining the state’s focus on both cultural heritage and modern healthcare services for crores of residents.

During the Makar Sankranti celebrations at the Gorakhnath temple, Yogi Adityanath offered khichdi as prasadam and interacted with devotees. On the same day, Yogi Adityanath also detailed a Rs 2,000 crore Artificial Intelligence plan designed to reshape public health services across Uttar Pradesh in a phased and data-focused manner.

Uttar Pradesh Artificial Intelligence healthcare push led by Yogi Adityanath

In Lucknow, Yogi Adityanath announced the Uttar Pradesh Artificial Intelligence Mission, or UP-AIM, during a two-day AI and Health Innovation Conference. Experts from NITI Aayog, the National Health Authority, the World Health Organization and the World Bank joined the discussions, reflecting strong national and international interest in Uttar Pradesh’s healthcare modernisation.

Yogi Adityanath confirmed that UP-AIM would be implemented step by step and aligned with the India AI Mission of the Central Government. The initiative is expected to improve disease surveillance, telemedicine, digital health records and predictive healthcare, creating a more responsive system that can benefit people in both big cities and smaller districts.

Makar Sankranti traditions in Uttar Pradesh highlighted by Yogi Adityanath

Explaining the broader cultural significance, Yogi Adityanath described Makar Sankranti as central to India’s festive traditions and Sanatan Dharma practices. "Makar Sankranti is an extremely important festival in the tradition of festivals and celebrations in India... After today, all auspicious events will commence as per the traditions of Sanatan Dharma... On this occasion, I welcome all devotees," Yogi Adityanath said.

The Chief Minister stressed that after Makar Sankranti, weddings and other auspicious ceremonies start again in accordance with long-held customs. This message reinforces how Uttar Pradesh respects religious traditions while advancing new policies, placing equal weight on spiritual life and practical welfare for families across the state.

Uttar Pradesh Makar Sankranti devotion and Magh Mela gatherings

Yogi Adityanath noted that devotees from across Uttar Pradesh visited many sacred sites on Makar Sankranti and bathed at the Triveni Sangam. "Today is the sacred festival of Makar Sankranti. On this occasion, I extend warm greetings of Makar Sankranti to all devotees and the people of the state. From yesterday, on this occasion, lakhs of devotees across the entire state have been visiting sacred religious sites to perform worship. In Gorakhpur yesterday, lakhs of devotees offered khichdi to Mahayogi Lord Gorakhnath Ji. Lakhs of devotees also took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj yesterday," Yogi Adityanath said.

The Magh Mela at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati meet, is underway alongside these festivities. Considered one of India’s biggest pilgrimages, the fair draws pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and beyond, who seek spiritual merit through holy baths and extended stays in the traditional month of Magh.

The Magh Mela derives its name from the Hindu month of Magh, which usually falls between January and February. The Prayag Magh Mela starts on Paush Purnima and continues till Mahashivaratri, covering a span of about 45 days, as devotees camp in temporary shelters and follow age-old religious disciplines.

Uttar Pradesh Makar Sankranti customs and Artificial Intelligence vision

Makar Sankranti is observed as a key date in the Indian calendar because it marks the sun’s entry into the Makara or Capricorn sign. Devotees offer prayers and oblations to the Sun god, Surya, and enjoy khichdi, sesame sweets, coconut laddoos and kite flying, while many people see the changing season as a sign that winter is starting to recede.

Alongside these rituals, Yogi Adityanath’s UP-AIM plan seeks to support citizens’ health in a more scientific way. The mission will encourage data-based decisions so doctors and health officials can detect disease trends early, identify vulnerable groups and organise timely action, from primary health centres to major hospitals across Uttar Pradesh.

AI tools under UP-AIM are expected to analyse very large medical datasets, which can help improve diagnosis, refine treatment plans and support better resource planning. As cultural events like Makar Sankranti and Magh Mela continue to draw lakhs of devotees, Uttar Pradesh is also preparing stronger health infrastructure, reflecting Yogi Adityanath’s attempt to balance devotion, wellbeing and technological progress for the state’s people.

With inputs from ANI