Ayodhya Boatmen To Be Trained In Storytelling, Safety, & More Under UP Tourism Initiative

Ayodhya, now a hotspot for pilgrims and tourists from across India, is giving its visitors a new way to experience the city. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has launched a unique initiative to train local boatmen along the Saryu River so they can guide tourists with history, folklore, and cultural tales while keeping everyone safe on the water.

UP Govt Trains Ayodhya Boatmen To Tell Ram Katha On The Saryu

Starting January 15, around 60 boatmen began a three-day specialised training programme at Hotel Saket in Ayodhya, The Statesman reported. The aim is to help them combine their traditional knowledge of river navigation with modern skills, making their rides on the Saryu more informative, enjoyable, and safe for visitors.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh explained that the programme is designed to create livelihood opportunities for local communities while improving the overall tourism experience. He clarified that they aim to go beyond sightseeing because visitors should remember Ayodhya’s traditions, culture, and stories, and the boatmen are crucial to this.

The training covers several important areas. According to The Statesman, experts from the Manyavar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management (MKITM) are teaching boatmen how to narrate local stories, Ram Katha, and historical events linked to the ghats and landmarks along the river. This includes advice on how to interact politely, communicate clearly, and behave responsibly around tourists.

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Tourism Push In Ayodhya

Simultaneously, members of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are providing practical instruction on emergency response, CPR, basic first aid, and disaster management. In addition to providing visitors with a rich cultural experience, this guarantees their safety on the river.

After completing the training, each boatman will be issued an identity card that certifies them as qualified service providers. According to The Statesman, officials claim that this will increase visitor trust and elevate boatmen’s status in the tourism industry.

With Ayodhya gaining national and international attention after the consecration of the Ram Mandir, the Saryu River is emerging as a key part of the visitor experience. Minister Singh added that similar training programmes are being planned in other districts to support traditional occupations, help communities grow, and make them confident cultural ambassadors of Uttar Pradesh.

In short, Ayodhya’s boatmen are no longer just rowing tourists across the Saryu. They’re being prepared to become cultural narrators, safety-aware professionals, and ambassadors of the city’s living history.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Kripansh01