Fairs and Festivals of Uttar Pradesh | Course for UPPSC Preparation - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

The vibrant energy of the people of Uttar Pradesh is evident in the lively atmosphere of their fairs and festivals. Whether in the traditional villages or the more modern towns, a strong connection to one's cultural roots is deeply embedded and expressed through year-round festivities. Fairs and festivals are joyously celebrated, not only to seek divine blessings but also to revel in the pure delight of life itself—an ultimate celebration of life.

List of Fair and Festivals

• Lathmar Holi 
  Lath mar Holi, held in Barsana near Mathura, precedes the main Holi celebration. This unique traditional festivity attracts crowds to witness the colorful spectacle.
• Janamashtami 
  On Janmashtami, pilgrims from across the country visit the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura. The festive spirit is palpable in Mathura and Brindavan during this celebration.
• Sankat Mochan Music Festival  
  Celebrated at the Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi, this festival honors the birth of Hanuman. Renowned Indian maestros showcase classical music performances during the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh.

Ramlila

• Ramnavmi Mela, Ayodhya - The Ramnavami Mela in Ayodhya commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, typically observed in the month of Chaitra according to the Indian calendar, corresponding to March or April in the English calendar. This event serves as a testament to the love, faith, and devotion of the people towards Lord Rama, the central figure of the Indian epic Ramayana. Celebrated on the ninth day of the lunar month, the festival revolves around the virtues, justice, and the profound love that Lord Rama exhibited towards his brothers and subjects. The festival highlights the golden era of Ramrajya, characterized by peace, prosperity, and abundance.
  The festivities extend beyond the state of Ayodhya, resonating throughout the country. The worship rituals commence with early morning ablutions and Vedic mantras dedicated to Vishnu. Devotees, in large numbers, offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity, maintaining a fast throughout the day, which is broken at midnight with fruits. In regions like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, public gatherings called sat-sangs are organized on Ramnavami Mela, drawing devotees to the temples of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh to celebrate the birthplace of Lord Rama with immense joy and enthusiasm.
• Deva Mela, Barabanki - Deva Mela in Barabanki is an annual event held at Deva, 10 km from Barabanki, near the revered shrine of Haji Waris Ali Shah. Taking place in October and November, this festival underscores communal harmony in Uttar Pradesh and India. While featuring games, music, poetry conferences, and vibrant shopping opportunities, Deva Mela remains primarily a religious fair, attracting devotees from across India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. The Urs or commemoration of the sacred shrine of Haji Waris Ali Shah brings together devoted Muslims, fostering a sense of peace and harmony. The fairgrounds become a symbol of communal unity, with a cattle fair, sports events, cultural conferences, and illuminated shops offering authentic handicrafts.
• Bateshwar Fair, Agra - Named after the presiding deity Bateshwar Mahadeo, Bateshwar Fair near Agra showcases 108 temples dedicated to various gods. Located approximately 70 km from Agra, the fair is notable for its livestock exhibition, adding a unique dimension to the religious festivities.
• Kailash Fair, Agra - Kailash fair, Agra in Uttar Pradesh is a colorful carnival. India is a land of fairs and festivals which are always celebrated with a huge enthusiasm. A visit to Kailash fair, Agra will give you the scope of witnessing one of the biggest and most popular festivals in India. The Kailash fair is held at Kailash which lies at a distance of hardly 12 kilometers from Agra. The Kailash fair, Agra is known to be celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. As the legend goes, Lord Shiva himself came to this sacred place in the disguise of a stone lingam.
  This has an immense value to the devotees who firmly believe in such legends. They think that the Lord is always there in the lingam and are listening to all of their prayers. You will be astonished to know that there are thousands of them who gather here with the belief that all their wishes will be fulfilled in the Kailash fair of Agra. In the Kailash fair, Agra in Uttar Pradesh one will find oneself to be in an air full of happiness. The place is marked by an ambiance of joy and celebrations. You will find people chanting the mantras, young boys and girls running here and there.
  The ladies wearing the best of their sarees and gorgeously adorned with ornaments can also be found. The whole thing together makes the Kailash fair, Agra a spectacular event. Not only the temples but all the streets are decorated often with colorful papers. Numerous temporary shops are set which sell toys, foods, sweets, ornaments and many more things. The Kailash fair in Agra is celebrated every year in the months of August and September. So next year make it a point to witness the great fair.
• Magh Mela, Allahabad - Magh Mela, a smaller version of the Kumbh Mela, occurs in January and February at Sangam, the holy confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The event attracts millions of pilgrims to celebrate this religious occasion.
• Ganga Mahotsava,  Varanasi - Ganga Mahotsava is a five-day festival held after Diwali on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, promoting Indian music and dance. The event features renowned artists and showcases the rich cultural heritage of India.
• Lucknow Mahotsava, Lucknow - Celebrated between November 25th and December 5th, the Lucknow Festival in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh highlights the culture and traditions of Lucknow. Colorful processions, music, dance performances, and traditional games are among the festival's attractions.
• Taj Mahotsava, Agra - The Taj Mahotsav in Agra is a ten-day cultural festival starting on February 18th, showcasing arts, crafts, and various cultural performances. The festival includes folk music, poetry, classical dances, elephant and camel rides, games, and a food festival.
  Other Festivals in Uttar Pradesh
  • Kumbh Mela, MahaKumbh
  • Kampil Fair, Kampil
  • Buddha Mahotsava, Sarnath
  • Buddha Mahotsava,  Kushinagar
  • One Day Buddha Mahotsava, Sravasti
  • Water Sports Festival, Allahabad - Varanasi
  • Ayurveda-Janshi Mahotsava,  Jhansi
  • Rambarat, Agra
  • Kartik Poornima, Varanasi
  • Lolark Shasthi, Varanasi