Festivals Galore: A Journey Through Uttar Pradesh’s Unique Celebrations
This year, embark on a cultural odyssey through Uttar Pradesh, exploring its lively festivals and events
With a plethora of cultures and diverse socio-religious traditions, Uttar Pradesh offers travellers a truly immersive experience. Each event held within the largest state of India—whether it is religious or cultural—is exceptional and extraordinary. They also leave an indelible impact on the tourism of the state, offering an insight into just how incredible India is. So explore Uttar Pradesh with these unique celebrations that take place across some of the most important cities in the state.
Deepotsav, Ayodhya
Lakhs of earthen lamps mark the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya
The city of Ayodhya, birthplace of Lord Ram, stands as a reminder of India’s cultural heritage. Over the last five years, a celebration on a scale unseen in India is held on Diwali. Called Deepotsav, the festival is marked by festivities which includes lighting up the banks of the holy river Saryu with earthen lamps. In 2022, the ghats were illuminated with the light of over 17 lakh diyas; this virtual spectacle created a Guinness world record. The celebration, which draws thousands of travellers to the banks of the revered Saryu, also includes a laser show that gives onlookers a real resplendent spectacle.
Lathmar Holi, Barsana
Women playfully hit men with sticks on Holi in Barsana. Picture: Shutterstock
At an odd 115 kms from the capital city of New Delhi, in twin towns of Nandgaon and Barsana in UP, Holi takes on a different colour. Called ‘Lathmaar Holi’, the women in these towns engage in a mock battle with men, who are on the receiving end of sticks and lathis. The men are playfully hit with sticks on their heads, all the while trying to protect themselves with turbans and shields. While eclectic in nature, this tradition is believed to have its roots in a legend where Lord Krishna, who had come to Barsana to drench Radha and her friends in colours, is playfully chased across town with sticks.
Hot Air Balloon Festival, Varanasi
Hot air balloons take to the sky in Varanasi. Picture: UP Tourism
Most of us have seen the blissful ghats of Varanasi, but there is a unique festival that allows you to experience this city’s splendid views from the sky. If you have an adventurous bone, make your way to Varanasi during the Hot Air Balloon Festival, organised by the UP government, which allows travellers to hop on a colourful hot air balloon and tour the city from the skies. The ride takes you around the city’s skyline with unfettered views of the ghats and Ganga river.
Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj
Kumbh Mela is held every four years in four different cities. Picture: Shutterstock
This festival, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is both of religious and cultural significance in India. Held every four years by rotation in the cities of Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, Kumbh Mela is attended by millions of people, especially members of akhadas, who come to these cities to take a dip in the revered River Ganga, an act that is said to liberate a person from the cycle of birth and death. Marked by colourful processions and cultural events, the Kumbh Mela is truly a window into India’s rich cultural diversity and ritualistic traditions.
Vrindavan Widows’ Holi, Mathura
Widows play with colours on Holi in Vrindavan. Picture: Shutterstock
While Vrindavan reverberates with the name of Lord Krishna, this holy town is also synonymous with hundreds of Hindu widows, many of whom had to seek refuge here having been shunned by society. For decades, widows, draped in white, were forbidden from playing Holi. But since 2013, every year on the festival of colours, they shun customs and traditions to engage in revelry. After concentrated efforts by various NGOs, the widows of Vrindavan started partaking in the festival, which is marked by traditional Brij Bhasha music, gulaal and flowers. Women young and old throw colours on each other, and for a brief moment, find a little colour in their own lives.
Taj Mahotsav, Agra
Cultural performances mark the evenings at Taj Mahotsav. Picture: Instagram/TajMahotsav
An annual celebration that draws lakhs of tourists to the city of love, Agra, the Taj Mahotsav is a a 10 days carnival organised by UP Tourism Board, near the eastern gate of Taj Mahal. This festival aims to highlight the cultural and craft heritage of Uttar Pradesh, as well as other states, through 400 elaborate stalls that offer exquisite works of art, from handmade souvenirs to other artefacts brought by artisans from across the country. This cultural bonanza was started in 1992 and since then its grandeur has reached dizzying heights. In addition to crafts, visitors can also enjoy a plethora of cuisines under one roof, and a profusion of folk, classical music and dances of various regions. The festival is also a major for FunFair, which has rides and roller coasters for people of all age groups, especially kids.
