Uttar Pradesh Tourism has launched two participatory campaigns—‘Heritage Through My Lens’ and ‘Share Your Personal Treasure’—ahead of World Heritage Week 2026, culminating on April 18, observed as World Heritage Day.
The initiatives aim to transform citizens from passive observers into active documenters of heritage by encouraging visual storytelling and personal narratives. Open to individuals across age groups, the campaigns are designed to engage students, families, young creators, and local communities in exploring both well-known and lesser-documented cultural assets.
The ‘Heritage Through My Lens’ campaign invites participants to capture photographs and short videos of heritage sites, particularly those that remain underrepresented. Submissions may include temples, stepwells, traditional markets, forts, and local shrines, highlighting everyday cultural landscapes alongside iconic monuments. The use of mobile photography and short-form video ensures accessibility and wider participation.
Complementing this is ‘Share Your Personal Treasure’, which focuses on intangible and personal heritage. Participants can submit objects of familial or cultural significance—such as old coins, handwritten letters, heirloom jewellery, or vintage photographs—accompanied by a brief narrative. The initiative foregrounds the emotional and intergenerational dimensions of heritage, making it especially relevant for families and older communities.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh noted that the campaigns aim to instill a sense of ownership and pride, particularly among younger generations, by encouraging them to engage with heritage in their own way. Officials also highlighted that such participatory approaches could help identify culturally significant sites and traditions that may later be integrated into broader tourism frameworks.
Entries can be submitted in photo or video formats, with a written description required for the ‘Personal Treasure’ category. Selected entries will be showcased at the State Museum and recognised at a state-level platform, with top submissions receiving special awards.
The last date for participation is April 18, 2026, with registrations open via the official tourism website.