Mention various festivals which are celebrated in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is one of the most important states of India. It is known for its long history, rich culture, and colorful traditions. The people of this state belong to different religions and communities. They celebrate many festivals with great joy and unity. These festivals show the spirit of togetherness, love, and respect among people. Some festivals are celebrated across the state, while some are more local but equally important. we will mention and describe the main festivals that are celebrated in Uttar Pradesh.

1. Diwali – The Festival of Lights

Diwali is the most famous festival celebrated in Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. On this day, people light diyas (lamps), decorate their houses, and worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

The city of Ayodhya is world-famous for its Diwali celebrations. Every year, thousands of diyas are lit on the banks of the river Saryu. This event is called “Deepotsav” and attracts visitors from all over the country. People burst firecrackers, distribute sweets, and share happiness with family and friends.

2. Holi – The Festival of Colors

Holi is another major festival of Uttar Pradesh. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People play with colors, dance, and sing folk songs. Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana are very famous for their Holi celebrations because these are the places associated with Lord Krishna.

In Barsana, the unique “Lathmar Holi” is celebrated. Here, women playfully beat men with sticks while men protect themselves with shields. This tradition attracts tourists from all over the world. Holi in Uttar Pradesh is not just about colors, but also about love, music, and fun.

3. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha

Uttar Pradesh has a large Muslim population. That is why Eid is celebrated with great enthusiasm in cities like Lucknow, Allahabad (Prayagraj), and Kanpur. On Eid-ul-Fitr, people end the holy month of Ramadan with prayers at mosques, feasting, and sharing gifts. Special dishes like sewaiyan are prepared.

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is celebrated to remember the spirit of sacrifice. People offer prayers, sacrifice animals, and distribute meat to family, friends, and the needy. The celebrations show unity, charity, and brotherhood among people.

4. Janmashtami

Janmashtami is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna, and Vrindavan, where he spent his childhood, become centers of celebration. People decorate temples, perform Raslila (folk plays about Krishna’s life), and observe fasts.

Devotees sing bhajans (devotional songs) all night, and at midnight, the birth of Krishna is celebrated with great joy. Another attraction is the “Dahi Handi” event, where young men form human pyramids to break a pot of curd, which symbolizes Krishna’s love for butter.

5. Navratri and Dussehra

Navratri is celebrated for nine days to worship Goddess Durga. People observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and perform Garba and Dandiya dances. In many parts of Uttar Pradesh, large pandals (temporary stages) are made, and idols of the goddess are worshiped.

Dussehra is celebrated at the end of Navratri. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. The famous Ramlila of Ramnagar near Varanasi is world-famous. Here, episodes from the Ramayana are enacted for several days. On Dussehra, large effigies of Ravana are burnt to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

6. Makar Sankranti and Kumbh Mela

Makar Sankranti is an important festival in Uttar Pradesh. It is a harvest festival and also marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn. People take holy dips in rivers, especially in the Ganga at Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Haridwar (nearby). They also eat dishes made from sesame seeds and jaggery.

The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, is one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world. Millions of devotees come to take a dip at the Sangam (the meeting point of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati). It is believed that this bath washes away sins.

7. Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a festival of brothers and sisters. Sisters tie rakhi (a sacred thread) on the wrist of their brothers, and brothers promise to protect them. In Uttar Pradesh, this festival is celebrated with love and joy in every family. People exchange gifts and sweets.

8. Maha Shivaratri

Uttar Pradesh is home to many famous temples of Lord Shiva, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. On Maha Shivaratri, devotees keep fast, offer milk and water to Shiva, and chant prayers. Varanasi becomes a major center of celebration, with lakhs of devotees visiting the temple.

9. Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Lord Buddha. Sarnath, near Varanasi, is a very holy place for Buddhists because Buddha gave his first sermon there. On this day, people gather at Sarnath to offer prayers and meditate. Monks chant sacred texts, and people light lamps and offer flowers.

10. Christmas

Christmas is celebrated by the Christian community in Uttar Pradesh. Churches are decorated, and special prayers are held at midnight. In cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Allahabad, people decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and sing carols.

11. Other Local Festivals

• Chhath Puja – Celebrated mainly in eastern Uttar Pradesh, it is dedicated to the Sun God. Devotees stand in rivers and ponds to offer prayers during sunrise and sunset.
• Kajari Teej – Celebrated by women in rural areas, especially in Mirzapur, where they sing folk songs and pray for the well-being of their families.
• Ram Navami – Celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Rama, especially in Ayodhya, where grand fairs and processions are organized.
• Guru Nanak Jayanti – Celebrated by the Sikh community in places like Saharanpur, with prayers, processions, and langars (community feasts).

The festivals of Uttar Pradesh show its cultural richness and religious diversity. Each festival, whether Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, or Christian, is celebrated with the same enthusiasm and respect. These celebrations bring people together and strengthen the bonds of harmony and brotherhood. Uttar Pradesh truly reflects the spirit of “Unity in Diversity” through its colorful festivals.