Uttar Pradesh Renames Bhadohi District as Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Sunday, 4 October 2026, that Bhadohi district will now be called Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi. He made the announcement at an event in the district, where he also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 112 projects worth over Rs 1,340 crore.

Why Was Bhadohi District Renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi?

The government says the new name honours Sant Ravidas, a medieval saint who is respected for bringing people together through his spiritual teachings. The plan was first announced on Guru Purnima. It was repeated on 29 July, when the BJP began a Dalit outreach programme from Varanasi.

The Chief Minister said Sant Ravidas dreamed of a society where everyone gets food and benefits without discrimination. He linked this idea to the free ration scheme, which reaches more than 80 crore people in India.

Bhadohi District History

Bhadohi was earlier part of Varanasi district. It became the 65th district of Uttar Pradesh on 30 June 1994. The district has been renamed several times since then. On 6 December 2014, the Samajwadi Party government changed the name from Sant Ravidas Nagar-Bhadohi back to Bhadohi. The latest decision restores the saint's name once again.

How Is Sant Ravidas Linked with Bhadohi?

Sant Ravidas, also called Raidas, was a saint of the Bhakti movement. His devotional verses spread the message of equality and harmony in society. The district's name connects it with his legacy.

Bhadohi is also known worldwide for its handwoven carpets, which carry a GI tag. The carpet industry depends on skilled weaving families, and carpets are the district's One District One Product (ODOP) item.