Yogi Adityanath to Celebrate Diwali with Van Tangiya Community in Gorakhpur

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to celebrate Diwali with the Van Tangiya community in Kushmi Jungle, Gorakhpur district, on Sunday, continuing a tradition he has maintained for several years.

Located around 15 kilometres from Gorakhpur city, the Van Tangiya village is preparing to welcome the Chief Minister, who has made it a regular part of his Diwali celebrations.

Adityanath will join residents for the 'Deepotsav' festivities, sharing the occasion with a community that remained deprived of basic rights and public amenities for decades.

During his visit, the Chief Minister is also scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for 52 development projects worth Rs 82.41 crore. The projects include an interlocking road to improve access to Van Tangiya settlements, an eco-park in Kusmhi forest and the development of Vaishvik Nagar Bazaar in Pipraich.

A Tradition Rooted in Community Welfare

Adityanath began celebrating Diwali with the Van Tangiya community while serving as Gorakhpur MP and heading the Gorakhnath Math. He has continued the practice since becoming Chief Minister, traditionally beginning his festival celebrations in the village.

The Van Tangiya community traces its origins to the British colonial period, when landless labourers were settled in forest areas to plant and maintain sal trees using the 'Tangiya' method, which was introduced from Burma. Several settlements were established in the Gorakhpur and Maharajganj regions in 1918.

Despite India's independence in 1947, the community remained outside the mainstream administrative system for decades, with limited access to citizenship documentation, basic amenities and public services.

After becoming Gorakhpur MP in 1998, Adityanath took up issues concerning the community, with an initial focus on education and healthcare. Welfare efforts included support from institutions under the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad and mobile medical units operated by Guru Gorakhnath Hospital.

In 2009, Adityanath faced legal challenges while supporting the construction of a temporary school for Van Tangiya children. The school was eventually established despite opposition from the Forest Department and continues to serve the settlement.

That year also marked the beginning of his annual Diwali visits. During these interactions, he distributes sweets, books, notebooks and gifts to children, while encouraging them to pursue education.

Revenue Village Status and Infrastructure Development

As Chief Minister, Adityanath granted revenue village status to Van Tangiya settlements, enabling residents to access government welfare schemes and public services.

The 23 Van Tangiya villages spread across Gorakhpur and Maharajganj now have access to facilities including housing, roads, electricity, drinking water, schools, streetlights, anganwadi centres and reverse osmosis water systems.

Residents have also received Aadhaar and ration cards, LPG connections and access to cultivable land and pension schemes.

Villagers have credited the changes in their living conditions to government initiatives and have described the Chief Minister's annual visit as an important occasion for the community.

This year's visit will combine the Diwali celebrations with the launch of development projects aimed at improving connectivity, infrastructure, tourism and local commerce.