Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, just days after announcing big projects on the state’s coast, has now envisioned developing AP into a global tourism hub. He aims to focus on world-class entertainment, spiritual tourism, and community-based hospitality, rather than relying on a single sector.

In a recent review meeting, CM directed the Tourism Department to initiate talks with Walt Disney to explore the possibility of establishing a “Disney World City” in Anantapur. If realized, this project would not only place Andhra Pradesh on the global tourism map but also generate large-scale employment opportunities and enhance allied sectors such as hospitality, infrastructure and local commerce in the district that was earlier boosted by the KIA plant.

With Anantapur’s strategic location on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad corridor, the proposal is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists as Anantapur already has a spiritual town Putaparthi on one side and the cosmopolitan hubs on the other catering the large urban population of Bengaluru.

Beyond large-scale attractions, the CM emphasized the importance of strengthening grassroots-level tourism experiences. He instructed officials to promote Home Stays across spiritual and tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh. From Tirupati and Srisailam to coastal heritage towns like Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam, home stays are expected to offer visitors a real local experience while generating sustainable income for households which was a quite successful model in Kerala.

Naidu’s strategy reflects a double sided approach on one hand, attracting global players like Disney to establish landmark projects in the entertainment sector and on the other, empowering communities of local population to participate directly in the tourism economy. This blend of mega-infrastructure and local enterprise is in line with his broader vision of making Andhra Pradesh a hub for innovation, culture and global connectivity.

If successful, the Disney World City project could become another major upgrade for Anantapur after the Kia Plant positioning it alongside world-renowned entertainment destinations, while the home stay model could make Andhra Pradesh a more inclusive and people-driven tourism state.

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Every year, as the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid al-Nabawi) approaches, Cairo begins to glow in a way that feels both festive and sacred. Lanterns line the streets, shops overflow with sugar dolls and sweets, and above all, the city’s mosques and shrines transform into spaces of spirituality.

While some people celebrate by indulging in halawet al-mawlid, many Cairenes seek out spaces where they can connect more deeply with faith, devotion, and history. Here are some of the most spiritual places to experience Cairo’s Mawlid nights.

Al-Hussein Mosque – The Beating Heart of Cairo’s Mawlid

In the heart of Old Cairo, the Al-Hussein Mosque becomes the most vibrant gathering point during Mawlid. Pilgrims from across Egypt flock here, filling the courtyard and surrounding streets with rhythmic chants, Quran recitations, and dhikr circles led by Sufi orders.

By nightfall, the atmosphere feels electric, candles flicker, banners wave, and spiritual songs echo through Khan El-Khalili’s alleyways. It is both a religious experience and a cultural spectacle, where devotion and Cairo’s historic soul meet.

Al-Azhar Mosque – Knowledge and Light

Just a short walk away, Al-Azhar Mosque, the seat of Islamic scholarship, offers a more reflective Mawlid experience. Scholars deliver sermons recounting the Prophet’s life and teachings, while worshippers sit beneath the mosque’s illuminated arches in quiet prayer.

The contrast here is striking: while Al-Hussein brims with lively celebration, Al-Azhar radiates a calm, scholarly spirituality, making it ideal for those who prefer contemplation over crowds.

Sayyida Zaynab Mosque – A Shrine of Devotion

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Cairo’s devotion to the Prophet’s family shines through at the Sayyida Zaynab Mosque, named after his granddaughter. During Mawlid, the mosque square fills with pilgrims who chant, pray, and share food as a gesture of charity. The sense of warmth and communal care is palpable; you leave not only spiritually uplifted but also embraced by Cairo’s generous heart.

Sidi Salih al-Jafari Mosque – Poetry and Dhikr

For an intimate and soulful Mawlid, head to the Sidi Salih al-Jafari Mosque near Al-Azhar. Followers of the Jafari Sufi order gather here for nights filled with devotional poetry, Quran recitations, and heartfelt supplications. After prayers, worshippers often share food and tea, turning the celebration into a gathering of both the spirit and the soul.

Sayyida Nafisa Mosque – A Saintly Presence

The shrine of Sayyida Nafisa, a revered scholar and saint, is one of Cairo’s most spiritual corners. On Mawlid nights, the mosque becomes a centre for prayer and remembrance. The atmosphere is softer than Al-Hussein’s crowds, serene, contemplative, and full of reverence for a figure deeply loved in Egyptian spiritual life.

Al-Rifa’i Mosque – A Grand Sufi Legacy

Known for its monumental architecture and ties to Sufi traditions, Al-Rifa’i Mosque also attracts worshippers during Mawlid. Here, people gather for prayer and to honour Sufi saints buried within its walls. The blending of grandeur and mysticism makes it a must-visit for those seeking a space where history and spirituality intertwine.

Cairo’s mosques and shrines are not only places of prayer but also living symbols of Egypt’s spiritual and cultural continuity. During Mawlid, they remind us that faith is both communal and deeply personal, celebrated in rhythm, reflection, and remembrance.

Mumbai, Sep 4 (IANS) The makers of “AJEY: The Untold Story of a yogi” unveiled the trailer of the upcoming film and it showcases the extraordinary journey of a young man from humble beginnings to a spiritual seeker.

The film is inspired by Shantanu Gupta’s bestselling book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister. Slated to release on September 19, the film stars Anantvijay Joshi, Paresh Rawal, Dinesh Lal Yadav and Ajay Mengi.

The trailer begins with shots of Garhwal, glimpses of Ajay’s family, and early friendships, leading up to his life-changing decision to take sanyas.

It sparks his spiritual journey in a land ruled by gangsters and bahubali politicians. Peace soon gives way to conflict as he challenges a corrupt system, moving from spiritual rituals to decisive leadership and reform.

The trailer captures both the turbulence of an unruly land and the depth of Ajay Anand’s inner journey.

The film traces the personal sacrifices and ideological evolution that shape Ajay’s transformation, blending drama, inspiration, and spiritual essence.

Directed by Ravindra Gautam and produced by Ritu Mengi, AJEY is written by Dilip Bachchan Jha & Priyank Dubey and the stirring music is by Meet Bros. The director of photography is Vishnu Rao, production designer is Udai Prakash Singh and associate producers are (Suuraj Sinngh) B-Live Productions and Itihasa Academy.

Ravindra Gautam said: “AJEY is a story of transformation, resilience, and vision, capturing the journey of a simple young man from the hills of Uttarakhand to a life devoted to service and leadership.”

Producer Ritu Mengi shared that the film “explores conviction, sacrifice, and leadership, showing both the public and private life of the protagonist and the choices that shaped his journey.”

The Monk Who Became Chief Minister is a biography of Yogi Adityanath, the 22nd Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. It is written by Shantanu Gupta, an Indian author and political analyst. The book came out on 25 August 2017.

–IANS

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