Visiting Uttar Pradesh for the first time? Well after checking out the 10 best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, the state has still a lot to offer you. Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, which is reflected in numerous fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the year. So we are here to help you choose the 10 best cultural fairs and festivals of Uttar Pradesh that you should definitely not miss.
1. Magh Mela
Location: Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad)
Time: Magh (January-February)
Highlights:
- Sacred bathing in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers
- Religious rituals and ceremonies
- Spiritual discourses and lectures
- Fairs and cultural programs
At Magh Mela, visitors can experience the spiritual fervor and devotion of millions of pilgrims as they converge on the banks of the sacred rivers. The atmosphere is charged with energy as devotees immerse themselves in rituals and seek blessings. The bustling marketplace offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India, with vendors selling everything from religious artifacts to traditional handicrafts. Visitors can also witness mesmerizing cultural performances and partake in the collective spirit of celebration and reverence.
2. Kumbh Mela
Location: Prayagraj
Time: Organized every 12 years
Highlights:
- Largest religious gathering in the world
- Sacred bathing in holy rivers
- Ceremonial processions of sadhus and saints
- Spiritual discourses and cultural performances
Kumbh Mela is an unparalleled experience that draws millions of devotees and seekers from around the globe. The sheer scale of the gathering is awe-inspiring, with makeshift cities sprawling along the riverbanks. Visitors can witness the spectacle of saints and sadhus adorned in saffron robes, offering blessings and wisdom to the throngs of pilgrims. The atmosphere is charged with spirituality as the faithful immerse themselves in the sacred waters, seeking purification and redemption. Cultural programs and religious discourses add to the vibrancy of the event, making Kumbh Mela a truly transformative experience.
3. Ardh Kumbh
Location: Prayagraj
Time: Organized every 6 years
Highlights:
- Similar to Kumbh Mela but on a smaller scale
- Sacred bathing and religious ceremonies
- Cultural events and spiritual discourses
Ardh Kumbh offers pilgrims a chance to experience the spiritual essence of the Kumbh Mela on a more intimate scale. The rituals and ceremonies remain the same, but the crowds are smaller, allowing for a more contemplative and personal experience. Visitors can still witness the grandeur of the holy bathing processions and seek blessings from revered saints and sadhus. The atmosphere is one of reverence and devotion, as pilgrims come together to honor ancient traditions and reaffirm their faith.
4. Dev Deepawali
Location: Varanasi
Time: Kartik Purnima (October-November)
Highlights:
- Illumination of ghats (riverbanks) with thousands of earthen lamps
- Ganga Aarti (worship of the river Ganges) with music and dance
- Fireworks display
- Cultural performances and boat races on the Ganges
Dev Deepawali is a dazzling spectacle that transforms the ancient city of Varanasi into a radiant beacon of light and spirituality. As the full moon bathes the city in its silvery glow, the ghats along the river Ganges are adorned with thousands of earthen lamps, creating a mesmerizing sight. Visitors can partake in the festivities by witnessing the grand aarti ceremony on the banks of the river, where priests offer prayers to the divine. Cultural performances and music concerts add to the celebratory atmosphere, making Dev Deepawali a truly magical experience for all who attend.
5. Deepotsav
Location: Ayodhya
Time: Kartik (October-November)
Highlights:
- Lighting of millions of earthen lamps
- Grand procession of Lord Rama’s statue
- Ramlila performances depicting the life of Lord Rama
- Cultural programs and music concerts
Deepotsav, or the Festival of Lamps, is a grand celebration that illuminates the historic city of Ayodhya in the glow of millions of earthen lamps. As the sun sets, the city comes alive with the soft flicker of diyas, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Visitors can witness the mesmerizing sight of the ghats along the river Sarayu adorned with countless lamps, creating a surreal ambiance.
Cultural performances and Ramayana recitations remember the epic tale of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession, where effigies of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are carried through the streets amidst chants of victory and devotion.
6. Rangotsav
Location: Mathura and Vrindavan
Time: Phalgun (February-March)
Highlights:
- Traditional Holi celebrations with colors and water
- Processions with Lord Krishna’s idols
- Folk music and dance performances
- Thematic cultural events
Rangotsav, or the Festival of Colors, is a joyous occasion that marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. In the sacred towns of Mathura and Vrindavan, the festivities begin with fervor as revelers gather to partake in the exuberant celebrations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere by joining in the throwing of colored powders and water, creating a kaleidoscope of hues that fills the air with laughter and cheer.
Traditional music and dance performances add to the festive mood, as the streets come alive with the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals. The festival culminates in grand processions and temple celebrations, where devotees come together to seek blessings and rejoice in the spirit of unity and brotherhood.
7. Diwali
Location: Celebrated throughout India
Time: Kartik Amavasya (October-November)
Highlights:
- Lighting of diyas (lamps) and bursting of firecrackers
- Family gatherings and feasting
- Lakshmi Puja (worship of the goddess of wealth)
- Exchange of gifts and sweets
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and around the world. It signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Homes and streets are adorned with twinkling oil lamps, candles, and colorful decorations, creating a magical ambiance.
Visitors can experience the joyous atmosphere by witnessing the spectacular fireworks displays that light up the night sky. Family gatherings and feasting are an integral part of the celebrations, as loved ones come together to share in the joy and abundance of the season. The exchange of gifts and sweets symbolizes the spirit of giving and sharing, making Diwali a time of warmth, generosity, and renewal.
8. Shri Krishna Janmotsav
Location: Mathura and Vrindavan
Time: Bhadrapada (August-September)
Highlights:
- Celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary
- Processions with baby Krishna’s idol
- Rasleela performances depicting Krishna’s life
- Traditional music and dance performances
Shri Krishna Janmotsav, or the Birth Celebration of Lord Krishna, is a joyous occasion that brings devotees from far and wide to the sacred town of Mathura. The festivities begin with the chanting of prayers and hymns in temples, as devotees offer their reverence to the divine. Processions depicting scenes from Lord Krishna’s life wind through the streets, accompanied by music, dance, and joyous revelry.
Temples and homes are adorned with colorful decorations, depicting the playful antics of the mischievous deity. Cultural performances and reenactments add to the festive atmosphere, as devotees immerse themselves in the divine love and wisdom of Lord Krishna.
9. Govardhan Puja
Location: Celebrated across India, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan
Time: Kartik (October-November)
Highlights:
- Worship of Govardhan Hill (a form of Lord Krishna)
- Preparation of elaborate food offerings (Annakut)
- Processions with Govardhan Hill’s replica
- Community feasting and distribution of prasad (blessed food)
Govardhan Puja is a sacred ritual that commemorates the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. Devotees gather at temples and shrines to offer prayers and offerings of food, flowers, and incense to the divine. Processions carrying idols of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill wind through the streets, accompanied by the chanting of hymns and bhajans.
Community feasting is an integral part of the celebrations, as devotees come together to share in the abundance of food and blessings. Activities such as distributing prasad and feeding the needy are also undertaken, reflecting the spirit of compassion and service ingrained in the teachings of Lord Krishna.
10. Hartalika Teej
Location: Celebrated in Northern India, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar
Time: Bhadrapada (August-September)
Highlights:
- Women fasting and praying for marital bliss and longevity of their husbands
- Traditional attire and jewelry
- Swings adorned with flowers and leaves
- Folk music and dance performances
Hartalika Teej is a vibrant festival celebrated predominantly by women, who observe fasts and offer prayers for marital bliss. The festival commemorates the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva, and is marked by colorful processions, traditional rituals, and cultural performances. It’s a joyous occasion that brings communities together to rejoice in the spirit of devotion and unity.
Also Read – Top 10 Foods to try in Uttar Pradesh