150 stalls showcase traditional products, regional delicacies and handicrafts; cultural performances and folk dance competitions draw large crowds
Lucknow: The 14-day Uttarakhand Mahotsav 2026 continued to attract visitors on its fifth day, bringing together India’s diverse folk traditions, regional cuisine, handicrafts and cultural performances along the banks of the Gomti.
Organised at the Parvatiya Sanskritik Upvan on Gomti Riverfront, Birbal Sahni Marg, the festival features around 150 stalls showcasing the cultural and culinary heritage of Uttarakhand and other states. The pleasant weather, colourful decorations, food stalls and performances on a specially designed stage added to the festive atmosphere. The event has also gained attention on social media.
Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, BJP state vice-president Neeraj Singh and local corporator Pramod Rajan attended the fifth-day celebrations as special guests. An evening was also dedicated to the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), with senior officials from its Lucknow division participating.
During the programme, Kaustubhanand Chandola received the Shailesh Matiyani Memorial Award 2026, Surendra Rajeshwari was honoured with the Chandra Singh Rahi Memorial Award 2026, and Rajendra Singh Kanwal received the Hari Dutt Pandey Memorial Award.
The organisers welcomed the guests with traditional angavastras and mementoes. The programme was attended by Uttarakhand Mahaparishad convenor Diwan Singh Adhikari, president Harish Chandra Pant, general secretary Bharat Singh Bisht and other office-bearers.
The festival is dedicated to preserving India’s folk traditions, promoting indigenous products and connecting younger generations with their cultural heritage.
Cultural performances and competitions
The fifth day featured a series of cultural programmes and competitions beginning at 2 pm. In the solo singing competition, 15 participants took part. Aadhya Singh secured first place, Renulata Kaul came second, and Krishna finished third. The competition was judged by Ambadutt Kandpal and Vimla Sharma and supervised by the Mahaparishad’s women’s wing.
The afternoon programme included Chholiya dance performances by Udhanachal Kala Kendra, Almora, with support from the Uttarakhand Department of Culture, Dehradun. Members of Aarambh Dance Academy, Dehradun, presented Saraswati Vandana and a Kathak Tarana, while Sargam Kala Kendra performed traditional Kumaoni dances. Karaoke singing performances by around 10 singers added to the programme.
The evening showcased traditional Jhora dance performances, including a general Jhora presentation by a team from Gangotri Vihar, Gomti Nagar, led by Damayanti Negi.
Four teams participated in the women’s Jhora competition, representing Shivani Vihar, Kurmanchal Nagar and Gomti Nagar. The festival also hosted a men’s Jhora competition for the first time, with the Ramleela Committee, Telibagh, presenting a performance under the leadership of Rajendra Singh Bisht.
A team from Agra, led by Khushi, presented Mayur folk dance and other performances with support from the Uttar Pradesh Department of Culture.
Dance groups participating in Nachhega Bharat Season 3 and Dance Uttarakhand Dance Season 5 entertained the audience with contemporary and traditional choreography. The collective Chhapeli presentation by the three Dance Uttarakhand teams received appreciation from spectators.
The Voice of Uttarakhand segment featured solo performances by Harshita Kandpal, Vishal Singh Rawat and Himanshu Pandey, followed by a collective Chhapeli presentation.
The day’s celebrations concluded with a star night featuring popular Uttarakhand singer Chandan Mehra, who entertained the audience with his popular songs.
150 stalls offer traditional products and delicacies
According to media in-charge Rajendra Singh Kanwal, around 150 stalls have been set up at the festival, offering a wide range of traditional products, handicrafts, jewellery, clothing and regional food.
Visitors can shop for pure woollen sweaters, shawls, winter garments, Kashmiri suits, traditional waistcoats, carpets, blankets, doormats, incense sticks and religious articles.
The food section features Uttarakhand’s organic produce, including Munsiyari rajma, bhatt and gahat lentils, Champawat garlic, buransh flower juice, radish, geithi and gaderi. Famous sweets from Almora, including Bal Mithai, Singori and chocolate, are also available.
Traditional Uttarakhand jewellery, including Nath, Pauji, Galoband and Maang Tika, along with Pichhora, Aipan products and stoles, are among the attractions.
Food lovers can enjoy Kumaoni and other regional cuisines, alongside kulhad tea and kesariya jalebi at the Bikaneri stall and specialities at the Rajasthani food counters.
The Brahma Kamal Cultural and Social Welfare Committee, Indira Nagar, has also contributed to the festival through programmes aimed at encouraging young talent and promoting traditional art forms. Under the leadership of president Prakash Chandra Pandey, general secretary Uttam Singh Bisht and treasurer Raghuvar Singh Bargali, the committee organised Dance Uttarakhand Dance, women’s and men’s Jhora performances and traditional Holi presentations.
Poets’ convention scheduled for next day
The festival will continue with a national-level poets’ convention scheduled for 2 pm on the following day. The programme will also feature Chholiya dance performances, classical group dances, traditional Jhora presentations and competitions, including men’s Jhora.
Teams participating in Nachhega Bharat Season 3 and Dance Uttarakhand Dance Season 5 will perform, followed by a star-night presentation featuring a renowned Uttarakhand dancer.
The Uttarakhand Mahaparishad’s organising team said the festival aims to bring different regional cultures before audiences while strengthening public participation in the preservation and promotion of India’s traditional art forms.
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