Barabanki, Nov. 19 -- The seven-day Mahadeva Mahotsav has begun at the ancient Lodheswar Mahadev temple in Barabanki, drawing lakhs of devotees and rapidly evolving into one of Uttar Pradesh's strongest examples of rural tourism.
This year, more than 10 lakh visitors are expected. The rising footfall, which includes travellers from Barabanki, Bahraich, Gonda, Lucknow, western Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, reflects the Mahotsav's growing cultural and economic impact.
Lodheswar Mahadev is believed to house one of the rarest Shivlings, associated with Mahabharata. Devotees believe the Shivling was revealed to farmer Loderam Awasthi after divine instruction, making the site a revered pilgrimage centre for centuries. Tradition...