UP CM opens Lata Mangeshkar-themed intersection in Ayodhya

On the occasion of Lata Mangeshkar's 93rd birthday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially opened an intersection here on Wednesday with her name as the honoree.

The crossroads, known as "Lata Mangeshkar Chauraha," was officially opened by the chief minister in the presence of Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy.

Officials estimate that it cost Rs 7.9 crore to build the crossroads on the banks of the Saryu river.

According to them, a 14-ton, 40-foot-long, 12-meter-high veena has been placed at the crossing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the legendary singer in a tweet, writing, "On the anniversary of Lata Didi's birth, we remember her. I remember so much, including the countless interactions when she would demonstrate such adoration. I'm happy that she will have a Chowk named after her in Ayodhya today. It is an appropriate tribute to one of the most famous Indian figures."

Both tourists and music enthusiasts will find the intersection to be very interesting. According to officials, it is the first location in the nation to have such a large musical instrument erected.

One of the biggest projects in Ayodhya, the intersection's development has cost Rs 7.9 crore, according to Satyendra Singh, secretary of the Ayodhya Development Authority, which is overseeing the project.

He claimed that Padma Shri recipient Ram Sutar spent two months creating the enormous veena.

The goddess of music, Saraswati, is depicted on the exquisitely crafted veena, he continued.