Jayasi’s Jais to Add Literary Depth to UP’s Sufi Kabir Tourism Circuit*

Lucknow/Amethi, September 1, 2026: From the places associated with Kabir in Varanasi and Maghar to the literary legacy of Malik Muhammad Jayasi in Jais, Uttar Pradesh’s Sufi- Kabir Tourism Circuit brings together sites shaped by poetry, spirituality and shared cultural values. Born in Jais in present day Amethi district, Jayasi is best remembered for his 16th century epic, Padmavat, giving the circuit a strong literary dimension alongside its spiritual appeal. To bring this legacy closer to visitors, the Uttar Pradesh government is developing the Malik Muhammad Jayasi Smarak and Park as an integrated centre of research, cultural interpretation and tourism. The Rs 10.36 crore comprehensive tourism development project is nearly 80 per cent complete and is expected to be completed by the end of October. Of the total project cost, Rs 9.15 crore has already been released. The development covers the Malik Muhammad Jayasi Research Institute, memorial, park and supporting visitor facilities, bringing research, cultural interpretation and recreation together at one destination. Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Under the leadership of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government is preserving the legacy of saints and poets who shaped India’s cultural identity. The Malik Muhammad Jayasi project will protect the literary heritage of the renowned Sufi poet, strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s Sufi Kabir Circuit and inspire the younger generation to reconnect with the state’s rich literary traditions.” Inspired by Amrit Udyan, the Malik Muhammad Jayasi Park is being developed with a symmetrical landscaped layout. The existing research institute is being transformed into a modern library where students, scholars and researchers will be able to study Jayasi’s life, writings and literary contribution. An auditorium with a seating capacity of around 120 people is also being developed to host cultural programmes, seminars and light and sound shows. Two congregation areas, an open gym and a walking and meditation zone with acupressure gravel pathways will add cultural and recreational facilities to the complex. The project also includes parking facilities, prominent entry gates and a children’s play area, making the site accessible to students, researchers, families and other visitors. Officials said work on the red sandstone memorial has been completed. Murals created across the memorial depict Jayasi’s life, literary journey and major works, allowing visitors to understand the poet’s contribution through visual interpretation. Jaiveer Singh said, “Malik Muhammad Jayasi was a revered Sufi poet whose Padmavat remains an important part of India’s literary heritage. The research institute is now being restored to its intended role as a centre of learning, while the memorial and park are being developed as an attractive tourism destination. The project reflects our commitment to preserving literary heritage and carrying Jayasi’s message of shared culture and harmony to future generations.” Once completed, the project will add a major literary destination to Uttar Pradesh’s Sufi Kabir Circuit. By combining a research library, memorial, cultural programming and visitor facilities, the state aims to make Jayasi’s legacy accessible to scholars, students, tourists and younger audiences while strengthening Amethi’s place on Uttar Pradesh’s cultural tourism map.