Uttar Pradesh Tourism has introduced two public participation campaigns as part of World Heritage Week 2026, encouraging residents to actively engage with cultural and historical heritage through creative expression and personal storytelling.

The initiatives, titled 'Heritage Through My Lens' and 'Share Your Personal Treasure', aim to broaden public involvement in identifying, documenting, and preserving both tangible and personal heritage across the state.

The 'Heritage Through My Lens' campaign invites citizens to capture photographs and short videos of culturally or historically significant locations. These may include lesser-known monuments, traditional streets, religious sites, old markets, and local structures that reflect the region's cultural identity. The focus of the initiative is not limited to well-known landmarks but also extends to everyday spaces that carry historical or social relevance within communities. According to officials, the idea is to highlight overlooked heritage and bring local narratives into wider public awareness.

The second initiative, 'Share Your Personal Treasure', shifts attention from public spaces to private heritage preserved within households. Citizens are encouraged to submit images and stories of family heirlooms such as old coins, handwritten letters, traditional utensils, jewellery, and other objects passed down through generations. The campaign seeks to highlight the emotional and historical value of these items, presenting them as part of a broader cultural legacy that exists beyond monuments and archaeological sites.

Both campaigns are designed to be accessible, allowing participation through simple digital submissions, including mobile photography and short written descriptions. The tourism department has indicated that selected entries may be showcased in exhibitions or state-level displays, offering participants public recognition for their contributions.

Officials associated with the initiative have described it as a step toward more inclusive tourism practices, where citizens play an active role in defining and presenting heritage rather than being passive observers. The approach reflects a growing trend in cultural tourism that emphasizes participation, storytelling, and community-driven documentation of history.

The campaigns are open for submissions until April 18, aligning with World Heritage Day. Authorities have encouraged people, especially younger participants and students, to contribute their perspectives and help build a collective record of the state's cultural identity.

By combining photography, storytelling, and personal archives, the initiatives aim to create a broader and more diverse representation of heritage, blending institutional narratives with everyday lived experiences.