UP, Oct.25,2025:The 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal refers to a two-day circumambulation circuit around the district of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, covering 68 pilgrimage sites (tirthas) and 19 sacred wells (kūps)-
The route begins at the ancient shrine of Sri Vansh Gopal Kalkidham (Beni Pur Chak) and passes through Bhavaneshwar, Kshemanath, Chandeshwar, and many other holy spots before returning.
This pilgrimage holds strong religious significance for believers: tradition holds that participation helps fulfil ardent wishes and leads one towards spiritual liberation (moksha).
Why did the tradition stop for 46 years
The tradition of the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal was suspended in 1978, following communal riots in the district.
In ensuing decades, the district experienced fear, migration and socio-cultural disruption. Families left homes, religious sites were encroached, and trust in local governance weakened.
Thus, the resumption of the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal after nearly half a century signals much more than a ritual—it symbolises a revival of community faith, heritage and public confidence.
the big steps behind the return
Restoration of pilgrimage sites
Under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath and the Uttar Pradesh government, efforts were stepped up to rehabilitate and beautify historic shrines. The government emphasised Sambhal’s identity as the ‘City of Kalki’, aligning religious revival with heritage tourism.
As part of this, dozens of tirthas and kups received renewal attention, and infrastructure was improved to facilitate large-scale pilgrim movement for the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal.
Clearing illegal encroachments
Reviving the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal also required reclaiming land and cutting off unauthorised occupation of sacred grounds. Reports state that under Section 67 of the UP Revenue Code, 495 cases were filed, 1,067 encroachments removed, freeing up nearly 68.94 hectares. Specifically, for religious-site encroachments: 37 illegal takes were cleared, involving 16 mosques, 12 mazars, 7 graveyards and 2 madrasas, covering 2.623 ha. These actions created physical space and organisational legitimacy for the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal revival.
Strengthening law & order in Sambhal
For the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal to return safely, the environment of security had to be rebuilt. The district administration added 2 new police stations and 45 new police posts; CCTV and drone-surveillance were introduced in sensitive areas; power-line theft was taken on, reducing line losses from 82% to 18%, saving ₹84 crore in revenue.
These changes made it possible for thousands of devotees to start the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal with confidence and institutional backing.
The first walk of the revived 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal
On Friday night around 2 a.m., at the historic shrine of Sri Vansh Gopal in Beni Pur Chak, the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal commenced amidst shankhnaad (conch-blasts), bhajan-kiertans and a massive gathering of devotees.
Thousands of participants from urban and rural areas converged. The route covers 68 tirthas and 19 kūps, passes through the three major shrines of Bhavaneshwar, Kshemanath and Chandeshwar, and loops back.
Authorities had pre-positioned mobile toilets, water tankers, signage, and security posts along the course. Metro-style crowd-management was employed.
One organiser said:
“We have not left any point unchecked; the committee and the administration are on full alert.”
The revival is being perceived by many as a milestone: not just a religious ritual resumed, but an affirmation of community resilience and heritage reclamation.
Social, cultural and spiritual impact on the region
The return of the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal carries multiple layers of impact-
- Spiritual rejuvenation: Believers regard this as a restoration of a sacred circuit, reinforcing faith and community identity.
- Cultural-heritage strengthening: Sambhal, long identified in mythology as the birth-place of Lord Kalki, re-positions itself as a site of pilgrimage and tourism.
- Socio-political healing: After decades of inter-communal tension, migration and fear, the re-launch of this event signals a possible shift toward inclusion, decorum and participation.
- Economic uplift: Pilgrimage-driven footfalls generate business for local vendors, hospitality, transport and allied services—helping Sambhal’s agenda of regional development.
- Governance legitimacy: Effective co-ordination among district administration, police, religious boards and civil society in organising the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal signals an institutional maturity.
Challenges and what needs to sustain the momentum
While the revival of the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal is a positive milestone, several challenges remain-
- Infrastructure strain: Large pilgrim flows can overburden roads, sanitation, lodging and emergency services. Efforts must continue to upgrade facilities sustainably.
- Social cohesion: For full revival, the event must remain inclusive and safe for all communities; any communal undercurrent could derail the goodwill.
- Maintaining heritage sites: Restoration is only the first step; continuous upkeep of tirthas, kūps, pathways and signage is crucial for long-term viability.
- Pilgrim safety & management: Ensuring medical care, crowd control, transport safety, especially for elderly or differently-abled pilgrims, is essential.
- Environmental impact: Managing waste, preserving natural springs / kūps, controlling pollution and safeguarding the rural habitat along the route are important tasks.
- Authenticity vs commercialisation: While tourism potential is real, the spiritual axis of the 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal must not be overshadowed by commercial over-development.
The 24 Kosi Parikrama Sambhal is back—after 46 years dormant, the pilgrimage now strides into the future. More than a religious ritual, its revival is a symbolic turning point for Sambhal: reclamation of identity, reaffirmation of faith, renewal of community spirit and institutional confidence.
If managed thoughtfully, the return of this tradition could become the spark for long-term social, cultural and economic transformation of the region. But the real test will be sustaining the momentum, safeguarding inclusivity and making this revival meaningful for all. As the dawn breaks over the procession of devotees, one sense remains clear: Sambhal has chosen to walk forward, embracing its heritage to shape its tomorrow.
