Uttar Pradesh Renames Bhadohi District as Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on October 4, 2026, announced that Bhadohi district will now be known as Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi.

The announcement was made during the Chief Minister's visit to Bhadohi, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 112 development projects worth more than ₹1,340 crore.

Yogi Adityanath said the decision was in line with an earlier announcement made on the occasion of Guru Purnima that the district, known for its carpet industry, would be associated with the name of Sant Ravidas, the medieval saint revered for his spiritual teachings and message of social unity.

Yogi Adityanath Announces New Name

Addressing the gathering in Bhadohi, Yogi Adityanath said that the district would now be called Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi.

The October announcement follows the Chief Minister's earlier statement in July 2026 that Bhadohi would once again be named after Sant Ravidas. The district has historically been known by variations of the names Bhadohi and Sant Ravidas Nagar, making the latest announcement a restoration of the Sant Ravidas association while retaining Bhadohi in the official name.

112 Projects Worth Over ₹1,340 Crore

The renaming announcement came during a development-focused visit by the Chief Minister.

Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 112 projects valued at more than ₹1,340 crore. The projects formed a major part of the programme and were presented as part of the government's development work in the district.

The Chief Minister also used the occasion to highlight the importance of local economic activity, infrastructure and opportunities for artisans.

Bhadohi's Carpet Industry and Artisans

Bhadohi is widely recognised for its carpet industry, with carpet weaving and handicrafts forming an important part of the region's economic identity.

Yogi Adityanath highlighted the contribution of local artisans and craftspeople, saying that people whose skills had traditionally been associated with the carpet industry now have greater opportunities to showcase their work.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of modern technology and new designs in strengthening the carpet sector. The visit coincided with the India Carpet Expo, where exporters, sellers, entrepreneurs and artisans associated with the industry participated.

Sant Ravidas and the Significance of the Name

The new name honours Sant Ravidas, a medieval saint whose teachings are associated with spiritual devotion, equality and social harmony.

Yogi Adityanath said Sant Ravidas had worked to unite society through his spiritual message. The government has therefore linked the district's new identity with the saint's historical and social legacy.

The decision also has a historical background. Bhadohi was separated from Varanasi district and became Uttar Pradesh's 65th district on June 30, 1994. The district has subsequently been known by both Bhadohi and Sant Ravidas Nagar, with previous governments changing the official naming.

Political Reactions to the Renaming

The renaming has also drawn political reactions in Uttar Pradesh.

The BJP welcomed the move, while the Congress said the party should follow Sant Ravidas's teachings. The Samajwadi Party maintained a cautious position on the announcement.

The timing also places the announcement in the wider political environment ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. However, the government's stated focus during the Bhadohi programme was on the district's new identity, development projects and the promotion of its traditional carpet and handicraft sector.

Focus on Bhadohi's Development and Local Industry

The renaming of Bhadohi as Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi combines a cultural reference to Sant Ravidas with the district's established identity as a major carpet-producing region.

Alongside the name announcement, the inauguration and foundation-laying of projects worth more than ₹1,340 crore provided the government an opportunity to highlight infrastructure and development initiatives.

For Bhadohi's artisans and craftspeople, the government's emphasis on technology, design, market access and the promotion of traditional skills remains an important part of the district's economic narrative.

The latest announcement therefore marks another chapter in the changing administrative identity of Bhadohi while keeping the district's historic name in the new designation.