Lucknow: The three-day grand cultural festival held in Lucknow to mark UP Day 2026 concluded with spectacular performances showcasing the state’s rich art, culture, folk traditions, and developmental journey. Organized at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal from January 24 to 26, the festival drew thousands of residents, turning the event into a city-wide celebration. Folk artists, along with Indian Ocean band’s rock fusion and performances by Vineet Singh and Pratibha Singh Baghel, captivated audiences throughout the festival.
The main ceremony featured exhibitions from various government departments, highlighting the development journey of Uttar Pradesh, while the Culture Department programs brought the state’s heritage and traditions to the stage. Saurav-Gaurav Mishra from Varanasi enthralled audiences with classical Kathak performances, while Puran Maharaj’s tabla recital resonated across the venue.
Musical highlights included Shweta Dubey of Banaras and Sheetla Mohan Mishra of Azamgarh, whose melodious singing mesmerized the crowd. Classical dance by Vishal Gupta of Lucknow, theatre performances by Chandra Bhushan of Unnao, and the electrifying rock-fusion by Indian Ocean especially thrilled the younger audience.
On January 25, the spotlight was on Vineet Singh from Mumbai, whose light music performance received widespread acclaim. Folk music and dance from across the state added local flavor: Virendra Singhal of Jhansi performed Bundeli folk, Ranjana Agrahari of Lucknow showcased traditional singing, Ganesh Pathak of Varanasi offered devotional bhajans, and Vandana Kushwaha of Jhansi presented Rai folk dance. Kathak duets by Rahul-Rohit Mishra from Varanasi, classical vocals by Harish Tiwari of Delhi, and tabla rhythms by Ilmas Khan of Lucknow captivated audiences with their artistry.
The final day, January 26, featured Pratibha Singh Baghel’s devotional and light music performances, folk dances by Sudha Pal of Mathura, and classical Kathak by Devika S. Mangalamukhi of Delhi. Local folk music by Ajay Pandey of Lucknow and Birha singing by Chedilal of Kaushambi celebrated the diverse emotions of rural life. Performances by Shiv and Shivang of Raebareli, along with various dance and musical presentations, ensured a grand and memorable conclusion to the festival.
The festival also highlighted ODOC (One District-One Dish) and ODOP (One District-One Product) initiatives. ODOC cuisines delighted visitors with local flavors of Uttar Pradesh, while ODOP products showcased the state’s traditional craftsmanship and artisanal excellence.
Additionally, the Kala Gaon (Art Village) created by the Culture Department recreated the vibrant rural landscape of Uttar Pradesh, featuring performers in Ramayan-inspired attire, puppet shows, acrobatics on ropes, and traditional tea arrangements on khats, giving visitors a firsthand experience of regional life.
The dance and music performances not only entertained the audience but also provided an opportunity to celebrate Uttar Pradesh’s cultural diversity, heritage, and talent, instilling pride in residents for their rich traditions.
This year’s UP Day celebrations successfully combined art, culture, folk traditions, and culinary delights, leaving audiences with a deeper appreciation of the state’s vibrant legacy.
