Ayodhya's Saryu Boatmen To Become Cultural Storytellers As River Rides Get A Tourism Makeover

The Uttar Pradesh government is revamping the way that people can experience Ayodhya, as thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to it every day. The latest government initiative is turning the traditional boat rides on the Saryu River into an engaging cultural journey. This is being done by providing trained boatmen who serve as both storytellers and safety stewards while on these boat rides.The Saryu River boatmen are being trained to tell the stories of Ayodhya’s history and the legends surrounding each of its ghats and sacred landmarks, thereby enhancing the spiritual experience of each passenger during their time on this sacred river in Hinduism. Visitors will not only be able to float down this historic river, but they will also learn about Ayodhya and the spiritual significance of each location along the way.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the move seeks to transform boating from a simple mode of transport into a meaningful cultural tour. With interest in river-based activities steadily rising, the government sees storytelling as a way to enrich visitor engagement while preserving Ayodhya’s heritage through oral narration.Training For Safety, Skills, And StorytellingThe Tourism Department has organised a three-day training programme from January 15 to 17 for 55 boatmen and other tourism stakeholders. The sessions are being conducted in collaboration with the Manyavar Kanshiram Tourism Management Institute in Lucknow and the State Disaster Response Force.Training is being conducted on the aspects of historical portrayal, basic methods of communication, and how to implement digital payment methods to meet modern expectations of travellers. A substantial amount of emphasis is given to the components of disaster preparedness, first aid response, and safe boating as a means for promoting the safety of passengers during their excursions.The Saryu River has had a profound spiritual importance to pilgrims, as it relates to many rituals, prayers, and customs that have developed over the last thousands of years. Now that the boatmen have received the appropriate training, they will be providing informal guiding services/ historical information while on the river, including stories of temples and ghats and mythology associated with the Saryu, providing a spiritually enriching and informative experience throughout the entire journey.Visitors to Ayodhya will have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of their visit beyond the temples by exploring Ayodhya's many vibrant living traditions and cultural landscapes. It also creates a more personal connection between travellers and the local community.Empowering The Boatmen CommunityBeyond tourism, the initiative focuses on skill development and economic empowerment of the boatmen community. By equipping them with new skills and responsibilities, the programme aims to raise service standards while improving livelihoods.Jaiveer Singh said the trained boatmen would serve as ambassadors of Ayodhya’s historical legacy, representing the city’s values of hospitality, faith and safety. Their role is expected to strengthen trust among visitors and enhance the overall perception of river tourism in the city.The Ayodhya programme is part of a larger effort to make water tourism safer and more organised across Uttar Pradesh. Similar training initiatives are being rolled out in other districts to professionalise boating services and promote sustainable tourism practices.With pilgrim numbers continuing to rise, especially after recent infrastructural developments in Ayodhya, officials believe such initiatives will play a key role in balancing tourism growth with safety, cultural preservation and community participation.(With inputs from PTI)FAQsWhat is the new initiative for Saryu river boat rides in Ayodhya?Boatmen on the Saryu River are being trained to act as cultural storytellers, sharing Ayodhya’s history and legends while also ensuring passenger safety.Who is conducting the training for the boatmen?The training is organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department in collaboration with the Manyavar Kanshiram Tourism Management Institute and the State Disaster Response Force.What skills are boatmen being trained in?Boatmen are receiving training in storytelling, communication, digital payment methods, disaster preparedness, first aid, and safe boating practices.How does this initiative benefit tourists and pilgrims?Visitors gain a richer, more immersive experience that goes beyond temple visits, helping them understand Ayodhya’s cultural, spiritual, and historical landscape.How does the programme support the local boatmen community?The initiative improves livelihoods by upgrading skills, professionalising services, and positioning boatmen as cultural ambassadors of Ayodhya.Top 10 Tourist Places To Visit In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh