Facts & Figures

Uttar Pradesh is one of India’s most historically and spiritually significant states, spread across 240,928 sq. km from the Himalayan foothills to the Vindhya ranges. With a population of 199.8 million (2011 Census), it is the country’s most populous state and home to a wide network of towns, districts, and cultural centres that collectively shape its religious identity.

The state comprises 75 districts, and its capital is Lucknow, while the High Court is located in Prayagraj with a bench in Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh represents a large share of India’s democratic structure with 80 Lok Sabha seats, 31 Rajya Sabha seats, 403 Legislative Assembly seats, and 100 Legislative Council seats. Literacy in the state stands at 67.68%, reflecting a diverse socio-cultural population that speaks Hindi, Urdu, English, and several regional dialects.

For visitors exploring temples and pilgrimage destinations through ITIMS, basic awareness of the state’s economic and cultural landscape helps contextualize its heritage. Uttar Pradesh is a leading producer of wheat, sugarcane, pulses, rice, mangoes, and potatoes, and is globally recognised for its handicrafts and artisanal heritage, including chikan embroidery, pottery, brassware, and carpets.

Major Highlights

• Geographically shaped by key rivers such as the Ganga, the Yamuna, the Gomti, and the Saryu, which influence settlement patterns, temple locations, and religious practices across the state.
• Rich cultural identity reflected in folk dance traditions like Charkula, Raai, Dhobia, and Tharu, demonstrating the diversity of devotional expression, festivals, and traditional art forms across different regions.
• Home to spiritually significant towns that form major pilgrimage routes, including Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Prayagraj, where temples, ghats, and sacred sites serve as central locations for religious journeys and faith-based tourism.

These facts position Uttar Pradesh as a diverse and culturally vibrant region, providing ITIMS visitors with a deeper insight into the state’s rich religious and heritage landscape.