Uttar Pradesh is a land of historical importance, rich culture, delicious food, and ancient traditions. For ages, it is one of the famous tourist spots for people from all over the world. In the midst of that, Uttar Pradesh festivals hold a significant place in the hearts of the people. From Makar Sankranti to Ganga Dussehra, the people of Uttar Pradesh celebrate festivals with great enthusiasm and in a grand way. Every festival tells a story of its own.
So, if you want to know about the story and everything else about the festivals of Uttar Pradesh, then continue reading.
1) Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is the most important and celebrated festival of Uttar Pradesh that is dedicated to Lord Gautam Buddha. He is one of the important religious personalities of India who is also the founder of Buddhism. When it comes to Lord Gautama Buddha, many pilgrim destinations of Uttar Pradesh are associated with his life. Buddha Purnima is the day when the people remember him and his teachings. During his entire lifetime, his patience was the one thing that was appreciated by all. That is why in Uttar Pradesh, Buddha Purnima is celebrated in a grand way.
2) Ganga Dussehra
We all know that the river Ganga holds great significance in Hindu mythology. As per the Hindu mythological scriptures, it plays a pivotal role in the Shiva Purana. According to the tales of Shiva Purana, the river Ganga is portrayed as a lady who is one of the wives of Lord Shiva. That is why she originates from the head of Lord Shiva and flows through the land. In the ghats of Uttar Pradesh, the river Ganga is celebrated every day. However, on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, the celebrations are held for 10 days in the month of June.
3) Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is yet another famous festival of Uttar Pradesh that is mostly celebrated by Hindus. This is the first festival that is celebrated in the new year, January. Even though this festival is celebrated around all the corners of India, it is celebrated quite differently in Uttar Pradesh. In this colorful festival, people fill the sky with flying kites and have amazing delicacies of Uttar Pradesh to celebrate this occasion. Lord Sun is worshipped and his arrival is celebrated in the festival of Makar Sankranti. The festivities are organized and celebrated in an exceptional way in Uttar Pradesh.
4) Ayudha Pooja
As the name suggests, Ayudha Pooja is the festival that is dedicated to Lord Shri Ram. It is a famous festival in Uttar Pradesh that is celebrated in a grand way. Many of us don’t know that Ayudha means a tool that is used by individuals to earn a living. That is why at this festival, people worship the tools that they use to earn a living, besides worshipping Lord Shri Ram. Once the pooja is performed, all tools ate brought back to their place. To celebrate this occasion, people exchange gifts, share sweets, and have fun with each other.
5) Janmashtami
Undoubtedly, Janmashtami is the most famous festival in Uttar Pradesh that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. As per Hindu mythology, this festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. In the temple of Janmasthan, the festival of Lord Krishna is celebrated in a grand way. People from all the corners of India visit Uttar Pradesh to witness the celebration of Janmashtami. On this occasion, priests dress Lord Krishna in a beautiful dress and a lot of ornaments. Also, a magnificent feast is prepared in order to serve Lord Krishna.
6) Lath Maar Holi
In Uttar Pradesh, Lath Maar Holi is another big festival, specifically in the village of Barsana. This event takes place some days before the actual Holi. On this occasion, young men from Nandgaon visit the Barsana village just like Lord Krishna. After that, they were chased by the young women of Barsana with sticks. Lath Maar Holi is celebrated in this unique and enjoyable way. It is celebrated as a remembrance of the event of Lord Krishna during his adulthood.
7) Durgotsav
Durgotsav is yet another one of the important Uttar Pradesh festivals that are celebrated during the months of October and November. The celebration of this occasion is dedicated to three Goddesses; Goddess Saraswati is the deity of education and knowledge, Goddess Durga is the deity of bravery and courage, and Goddess Lakshmi is the deity of wealth. This festival delivers the message that a woman is strong, bold, and should be treated respectfully.
8) Taj Mahotsav
Taj Mahotsav is an initiative taken by the government of Uttar Pradesh to promote tourism. Without a doubt, it is one of the most revenue-generating sources of the state. Besides that, this festival holds a great religious significance. Usually, this festival is celebrated in the months of February and March. This famous festival is named after The Taj Mahal, the pride of India. Tourists from all corners of the world visit Uttar Pradesh to witness this grand festival.
9) Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is a great night that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that Varanasi is the holiest place for Lord Shiva, and this place is very close to Lord Shiva. In Uttar Pradesh, the Kashi Vishwanath temple is situated that holds great significance all around the world. It is the night when the people of Uttar Pradesh show immense love and respect to Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri has many stories such as it is the night of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage, Lord Shiva consumed the poison that came out from Samudra Manthan, or it is the night when Lord Shiva was born. No matter whatever is the reason, we love celebrating the festival of Lord Shiva.
10) Maha Kumbh Mela
Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest gatherings of devotees that comes under UNESCO cultural heritage as well. As per the tradition, devotees take dips in the Triveni Sangam to get rid of all their sins and take god blessings. Triveni Sangam is the place where the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet. This holy gathering was first performed by a great philosopher, Shankaracharya. Besides that, this festival is also famous because of its entertainment value.
