Uttar
Pradesh is a land of fairs and festivals. The state boasts of people
from vivid caste, creed, culture and religious backgrounds. Therefore it
is but natural that the state is home to a number of fairs and
festivals. These include major as well as minor festive. Some of the
notable festivals are Lucknow Mahotsava, Safai Festival, Yoga Festival
and Kabob Festivals. They are organized in Lucknow, Safai and Benaras
respectively. Following are some of the major festivals and fairs that
are celebrated in Uttar Pradesh. Bateshwar is a dusty town situated nearly 70 kilometers from downtown Agra. An otherwise sleepy town, Bateswar, an important spiritual and cultural center, comes to life in the month of November every year. It is when the annual cattle fair is held here. This enormous cattle fair is held at the banks of Yamuna in the 'Kartik' month of Hindu calendar. Nevertheless, the fair is not the only draw for the tourists.
Ganga Mahotsava, Varanasi
Ganges has always been the not only the lifeline of India but also the felicitator and nourishment of the Indian Civilization. The river Ganges, though, considered a thing of reverence by the Hindus has in the course of history defined the psyche of the Indian society as a whole, irrespective of religion. It not only nourishes the population that lives by its kingdom but also give them a sense of separate identity and belonging.
Janmashtmi Fair, Mathura
Janmashtmi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India as well as Uttar Pradesh. Although the festival is celebrated all over the Uttar Pradesh but it is the celebrations in the Mathura zone that has a special significance in this festival. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate the festival of Janmashtmi with great pomp and show.
Maha Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh, Allahabad
The Kumbh Mela is generally held every three years in rotation at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Kumbh Mela is organized in the month of Magh according to the traditional calendar, which when converted to Gregorian turns to be Feb-March. The most important among these is the one celebrated at Allahabad. Due to the rotation system, the Kumbha Mela comes to Allahabad every 12 Years.
Ramlila, Varanasi
Ramlila, plainly speaking, is a stage representation of the famous Hindu Epic Ramayana. The Ramayana is based on the life, times and values of Lord Rama. Lord Rama is called the Maryada Purushottam or the 'The best among the dignified'. The story of Lord Rama and his comrades is so popular in India that it has actually amalgamated the psyche of the Indian mainstream irrespective of their religion.
Sardhana Christian Fair, Meerut
Every year on the 1st Sunday of the month of November a large feast is held in honor of Mother Mary. Devotes and history lovers gather in a large numbers to see not only the wonderful shrine but also the fine palaces built in Italian style around the church by Begum Samru. The festival is marked by an Indian style Carnival that has become very popular in recent years. There are lots of traditional performances too
Latthmar Holi Mathura
During spring, Holi, the festival of colors is celebrated all over India. Holi is a time to make merry. People smear each other with colored powdered and water colors. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion. The Holi celebrations in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna is spectacular. The Rang Gulal Festival is celebrated for a week with exuberant processions, songs and music.
Taj Mahotsava
The Taj Mahotsava is another very popular festive in India. Taj Mahotsava that is held annually at Agra is a colorful display of the Arts, Crafts, Culture and Cuisine of the Braj area. Organized by UP Tourism and held as an annual event at the Shilpgram, Taj Mahotsava is a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of master craftsmen of Uttar Pradesh.
Yoga Festival at Varanasi & Allahabad
The importance of Yoga is unparalleled in the Indian civilization. This art of meditation and alternative medication has heavily influenced the India and world. The path of yoga is considered to be a perfect way to find peace of mind and solace without corrupting the soul. The movement got popular in the west as a counter-revolution to the Hippie movement.
