The government of Uttar Pradesh announced that Bhadohi district will be known again as Sant Ravidas Nagar which was already called as a name for the district by the venerated saint and social reformer Guru Ravidas.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath signed the decision and so will help the local people preserve their historical and cultural identity.
Sant Ravidas, a prominent 15th-century Bhakti movement saint, is praised for his dedication to equality, social justice and devotion. His teachings still inspire millions of followers across India, making him one of the country’s most prestigious spiritual figures.
By restoring the district's earlier name, the state government says it is paying tribute to his lasting contribution to Indian society.
The district in eastern Uttar Pradesh is famous for its rich handmade carpet industry. Often referred to as the “Carpet City of India,” Bhadohi exports high quality carpets to markets and provides employment for thousands of artisans and workers.
The commercial identity of the region has long been tied to the name Bhadohi and its official administrative name has evolved a few times in the last three decades.
When the district was formed in 1994, it was named Sant Ravidas Nagar. In 2012 the Samajwadi Party government changed its name to Bhadohi.
Since then several social organizations and supporters of Guru Ravidas have appealed to governments to restore the original name, claiming that it better reflects the district's history.
Hence, with this announcement, the Yogi Adityanath government has accepted those demands and started the process of restoring the earlier name. There will be updated official documents, records, signage, maps and other administrative documents in government departments to reflect the change.
CM Yogi Adityanath said "The district that was renamed Bhadohi by the SP government has been restored to its original name, Sant Ravidas Nagar, honouring the legacy of Sant Ravidas Ji"
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Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a renewed focus on preserving cultural heritage and honoring… pic.twitter.com/0S71bALO2O
There are political reactions from both supporters and critics on the decision. BJP leaders welcomed the decision as a fitting tribute to a saint whose message of equality still inspires society.
Opposition parties have challenged the timing of the decision and argued that issues like employment, infrastructure, and public welfare should remain the government's top priorities.
Guru Ravidas’ followers have taken great joy in having the district’s old name restored as something to recognize India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. They think it only strengthens the long-standing connection of the district to the great saint.
The renaming is purely administrative in nature and will not affect the business operations, governance, or public services, they said. The district will continue to be one of Uttar Pradesh’s top industrial centres in the carpet export sector.
The restoration of Sant Ravidas Nagar is also part of the Uttar Pradesh government’s larger initiative to revive traditional and historical place names in the state, and keep them alive.
