Uttar Pradesh is a vibrant state where people from various communities live together in harmony. The state is known for its diverse and colorful fairs and festivals, which are deeply rooted in tradition and religion. These events convey important messages about human life, relationships, and ancient traditions. The state is also famous for its rich cuisine, which adds flavor to these festive occasions as well as daily life.

Major Fairs of Uttar Pradesh

Fairs in Uttar Pradesh showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage. Every year, numerous fairs are organized across the state, with Mathura district hosting the most (86), followed by Kanpur (80), Hamirpur (79), Jhansi (78), Agra (72), and Fatehpur (70). Pilibhit district organizes the least number of fairs. Below are some of the most important fairs in Uttar Pradesh.

Kumbh Mela

• Kumbh Mela is one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages where millions of devotees gather to bathe in a sacred river.
• World’s Largest Religious Gathering: It begins on Makar Sankranti (January) and lasts for about 2 to 3 months.
• Rotation of Locations: Held every third year at one of the four places—Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Nasik, and Ujjain—by rotation. Every twelfth year, the Kumbh Mela occurs at each of these places.
• Location in Uttar Pradesh: In Allahabad (Prayagraj), it is held at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
• Ardh Kumbh: Held every six years at the same location.
• UNESCO Recognition: In 2017, UNESCO inscribed the Kumbh Mela on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Magh Mela

• Similar to Kumbh Mela: A smaller version of Kumbh Mela, held annually.
• Timing: Takes place in January and February at the Holy Sangam in Allahabad, starting on Makar Sankranti and ending on Maha Shivratri.

Ramayan Fair

• Locations: Held in Chitrakoot and Ayodhya in February and March.
• Significance: This fair celebrates the tales of the Ramayana with cultural and religious events.
• History: Conceptualized by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia in 1961, first organized in 1973 by then Chief Minister Kamlapati Tripathi in Chitrakoot. Ayodhya hosted its first fair in 1982 under Chief Minister Shripati Mishra.

Dhrupad Mela

• Location and Timing: Organized in March at Tulsi Ghat, Varanasi.
• Significance: A five-day music fair where legendary music artists from across the country perform, boosting tourism in Varanasi.

Kampil Fair

• Location: Held in March in Kampil town, Farrukhabad district.
• Significance: A five-day Jain festival. Kampil is the birthplace of the 13th Jain Tirthankara and has shrines for both Shwetambar and Digambar Jains.

Nauchandi Fair

• History: Started in 1672 AD as a one-day cattle trading fair in Meerut.
• Cultural Significance: Symbolizes Hindu-Muslim unity, organized annually on Nauchandi ground, starting from the second Sunday after Holi and lasting a month.
• Main Attractions: Features Nauchandi Devi temple and the shrine of Saint Sayyed Salar, celebrated by both communities.

Shravan Jhula Mela

• Timing: Organized in Shraavana (August) for the entire month.
• Locations: Faizabad and Ayodhya districts.
• Cultural Significance: Idols of Rama, Lakshman, and Sita are placed in swings and taken in a procession to Mani Parvat, where they are worshipped.

Janmashtami Fair

• Location and Timing: Celebrated in Mathura in August-September on the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
• Traditions: Devotees fast for the entire day to honor the occasion.

Kailash Fair

• Location: Held in Kailash, 12 km from Agra, in August-September.
• Significance: One of the largest fairs in honor of Lord Shiva, believed to have appeared as a stone Lingam in Kailash.

Shakumbhari Devi Fair

• Location: Organized in Saharanpur district during Navratra (September-October).
• Cultural Importance: Devotees gather at the Shakumbhari Devi temple to worship the Goddess.

Deva Sharif Mela

• Location and Timing: Held in Deva, near Barabanki, in October-November.
• Cultural Importance: Celebrates the Urs of Sufi Saint Haji Waris Ali Shah, promoting communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims.

Dadri Cattle Fair

• Location and Timing: Takes place in Dadri town, Gautam Budh Nagar district, during Kartik Purnima (October-November).
• Significance: A two-week-long fair focused on cattle trading.

Bateshwar Fair

• Location: Held in Bateshwar, Agra district, in November.
• Significance: The second-largest animal fair in India, with both religious and commercial importance, around 2000 years old.

Sardhana Christian Fair

• Location: Held on the first Sunday of November in Sardhana, Meerut.
• Cultural Importance: A feast in honor of Mother Mary, attracting devotees to the church and palaces built by Begum Samru.

Other Important Fairs in Uttar Pradesh

Fair	Location
Nakkateya Fair	Varanasi
Dussehra Fair	Agra-Mathura (Statewide)
Haridas Jayanti Fair	Vrindavan
Devchhat Fair	Dauji (Mathura)
Laxmayya Holi Fair	Barsana (Mathura)
Makanpur Fair	Farrukhabad
Ramnagaria Fair	Farrukhabad
Shringirampur Fair	Farrukhabad
Naimisharanya Fair	Naimisharanya (Sitapur)
Syed Salar Fair	Bahraich
Devipatan Fair	Balrampur
Dhai Ghat Fair	Shahjahanpur
Gola Gokaran Nath Fair	Kheri
Parikrama Fair	Misrikh Neemsar (Sitapur)
Govind Sahab Fair	Atraulia (Azamgarh)
Bal Sundari Fair	Anupshahar (Bulandshahar)
Kalinjar Fair	Banda
Garh Fair	Garhmukteshwar

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Festivals of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a land of vibrant celebrations, with numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year. These festivals reflect the state’s rich traditions and diverse cultures. Here’s a guide to some of the most important festivals in Uttar Pradesh.

Major Festivals of Uttar Pradesh

Makar Sankranti

• Date: 14th January (Paush month)
• Significance: Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God.
• Celebrations: People take a holy dip in the Ganga River and offer prayers to the Sun. A special event called Khichadi Fair is organized in Gorakhpur district during this time.

Maha Shivratri

• Date: February-March (Phalgun month)
• Significance: Maha Shivratri is an important Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva.
• Celebrations: Devotees perform ‘Jalabhishek’ (ritual bathing) at the Baba Vishvanath Temple in Varanasi.

Holi and Lathmar Holi

• Date: February-March (Phalgun month)
• Significance: Holi is a festival of colors celebrating the arrival of spring.
• Celebrations:
• Holi: The festival spans two days: Holika Dahan (bonfire) and Dulhandi (color throwing).
• Lathmar Holi: Celebrated a week before Holi in Barsana, Mathura, where women playfully beat men with sticks.

Mahavir Jayanti

• Date: March-April (13th day of Chaitra month)
• Significance: Celebrated by the Jain community to mark the birth of Lord Mahavir.
• Celebrations: Both Digambars and Shwetambars celebrate this festival with various rituals.

Buddha Purnima

• Date: April-May (Purnima of Vaishakh month)
• Significance: Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
• Celebrations: Buddhist communities hold special prayers and ceremonies.

Ganga Dussehra

• Date: May-June (10th day of Jyeshta month)
• Significance: This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga.
• Celebrations: People take a holy bath in the Ganga River and bring Ganga water home for sacred use. Celebrated in Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Prayagraj.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami

• Date: August-September (Ashtami of Krishna Paksh)
• Significance: Marks the birth of Lord Krishna.
• Celebrations: The festival is especially grand in Mathura and Vrindavan, with devotees engaging in various rituals and celebrations.

Navratri / Durga Puja

• Date: September-October (Ashwin month)
• Significance: A major Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.
• Celebrations: The festival spans nine nights with fasting, prayers, and cultural performances. It culminates in the celebration of Dussehra.

Dussehra (Vijayadashami)

• Date: September-October (Dashmi of Shukla Paksha)
• Significance: Dussehra symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
• Celebrations: Marks the end of Navratri with grand celebrations across the state. It commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

Ayudha Puja

• Date: September-October (Navami of Ashwin month)
• Significance: A part of Navratri, it honors tools, books, and vehicles.
• Celebrations: People worship Lord Rama and Sita, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Guru Nanak Jayanti

• Date: November (Kartik Purnima)
• Significance: Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Devji, the first Guru of the Sikh community.
• Celebrations: Sikhs visit Gurdwaras, offer prayers, and sing hymns.

Deepawali (Diwali)

• Date: October-November (Amavasya in Kartik month)
• Significance: Known as the Festival of Lights, it celebrates the victory of light over darkness.
• Celebrations: The festival lasts five days:
• Dhanteras: The first day.
• Choti Diwali: The second day.
• Laxmi Puja: The third day.
• Govardhan Puja: The fourth day.
• Bhai Dooj: The fifth day.
• Traditions: People light lamps (diyas), perform prayers, and celebrate with fireworks.

Kartik Purnima

• Date: November
• Significance: Also known as Dev Deepawali.
• Celebrations: People light earthen lamps on the ghats of Varanasi, creating a beautiful display of lights.

Muharram

• Date: The first month of the Islamic calendar (Hijri month)
• Significance: Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.
• Celebrations: Shia Muslims observe the day with processions and rituals, including Tazia processions.

Ramzan (Ramadan)

• Date: 9th month of the Islamic calendar
• Significance: A holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
• Celebrations: Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, offer prayers, and give charity (Zakat).

Eid-ul-Fitr

• Date: The first day of the 10th Islamic month
• Significance: Marks the end of Ramadan.
• Celebrations: Muslims perform a special prayer at Idgah, exchange gifts, and give charity.

Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)

• Date: 12th month of the Islamic calendar (Dhul-Hijjah)
• Significance: Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice.
• Celebrations: Commemorates the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim and involves the ritual sacrifice of animals.

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Other Important Festivals in Uttar Pradesh

Hindu Festivals

• Basant Panchami: Celebrated in January-February to honor Goddess Saraswati.
• Naag Panchami: Dedicated to snakes, observed in August.
• Raksha Bandhan: Celebrated in August to honor the bond between brothers and sisters.
• Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesh in August-September.
• Bhagoriya Festival: A tribal festival celebrated in parts of Uttar Pradesh.
• Govardhan Puja: Celebrated in October-November, marking Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill.

Muslim Festivals

• Barawafat: Commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
• Shab-e-Barat: A night of prayers and forgiveness observed in March.

Sikh Festivals

• Baisakhi: Marks the harvest season and the formation of Khalsa in April.
• Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti: Celebrates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh in January.
• Guru Arjun Dev Balidaan Diwas: Commemorates Guru Arjun Dev’s martyrdom.

Christian Festivals

• Good Friday: Observed in March or April to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• Easter: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ in March or April.
• Christmas: Celebrated on December 25th to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
• New Year’s Day: Celebrated on January 1st.

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Important Festivals of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh hosts a variety of vibrant festivals and cultural events throughout the year. These festivals showcase the state’s rich heritage and diverse traditions. Here’s a guide to some of the most significant festivals:

Major Festivals of Uttar Pradesh

Ganga Mahotsav

• Date: January (coincides with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas)
• Location: Varanasi
• Duration: 5 days
• Significance: Originally known as Ganga Mahotsav, the festival was renamed Kashi Ganga Mahotsav in 2018. It celebrates the cultural heritage of Varanasi and the sacred Ganga River.

Kannauj Utsav

• Date: January
• Location: Kannauj
• Organized By: Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department
• Significance: Showcases the historical and cultural richness of Kannauj, including its famous perfume industry.

Saifai Mahotsav

• Date: January
• Location: Etawah district
• Significance: An annual festival featuring cultural performances, traditional art forms, and entertainment organized by the local administration.

Taj Mahotsav

• Date: February-March (Phalgun month)
• Location: Shilpgram, Agra
• Duration: 10 days
• Organized By: Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department
• Significance: Highlights the Mughal and Indian arts and crafts, with various cultural performances and exhibitions.

Triveni Mahotsav

• Date: February
• Location: Allahabad (Prayagraj)
• Significance: Celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Prayagraj with a mix of traditional and contemporary cultural events.

Jhansi Mahotsav

• Date: February
• Location: Jhansi
• Duration: 5 days
• Organized By: Cultural Department
• Significance: An Ayurvedic festival that includes exhibitions, workshops, and cultural performances related to Ayurveda.

Braj Mahotsav

• Date: February-March (Shukla Paksha Phalgun)
• Location: Braj region (Mathura, Vrindavan)
• Significance: Showcases the art, culture, and cuisine of the Braj region. The festival features Rasleela performances, which are traditional dances depicting the life of Krishna and Radha.

Lathmar Holi

• Date: March (Phalgun month)
• Location: Barsana and Nandgaon (Mathura)
• Significance: A unique Holi celebration where women playfully beat men with sticks. It attracts visitors from around the world.

Yamuna Mahotsav

• Date: March-April (Chaitra-Chhat month)
• Location: Vishram Ghat, Mathura
• Significance: Celebrated along the Yamuna River, featuring cultural events and rituals.

Kabir Mahotsav

• Date: June
• Location: Maghar town, Sant Kabir Nagar district
• Duration: 2 days
• Significance: Honors the 15th-century mystic poet Kabir, with exhibitions and discussions about his life and teachings.

Kajli Mahotsav

• Date: August (second day of Shraavana month)
• Location: Mahoba district
• Significance: A monsoon festival celebrated with traditional folk dances and rituals.

Ram Barat Utsav

• Date: August-September (Purnima of Bhadrapad month to Amavasya of Ashwin month)
• Location: Agra district
• Significance: A grand procession depicting the marriage of Lord Rama, celebrated with cultural performances and community gatherings.

Bithoor Ganga Mahotsav

• Date: October-November (Kartik month)
• Location: Bithoor, Kanpur district
• Significance: Celebrated on the banks of the Ganga River with various cultural events and rituals.

Kalki Mahotsav

• Date: November
• Location: Sambhal district
• Significance: Focuses on the cultural and religious aspects of the region, including folk performances and rituals.

Lucknow Mahotsav

• Date: November-December
• Location: Lucknow
• Significance: Features traditional folk dances, cultural performances, and exhibitions representing the Awadh period.

Prayag Mahotsav

• Date: Varies
• Location: Allahabad (Prayagraj)
• Organized By: Cultural Department
• Significance: Highlights the cultural and historical significance of Prayagraj with various events and exhibitions.

Sardhana Utsav

• Date: Varies
• Location: Meerut district
• Organized By: Uttar Pradesh Government
• Significance: A cultural festival showcasing local traditions and heritage.

Varanasi Mahotsav

• Date: Varies
• Location: Varanasi
• Significance: A tourism festival that showcases the diverse cultures, religions, and aspects of knowledge and sciences of India.

Sulahkul Utsav

• Date: Varies
• Location: Agra district
• Significance: Celebrates Hindu-Muslim unity with various cultural events and communal activities.

Son Mahotsav

• Date: Varies
• Location: Sonbhadra district
• Significance: Focuses on local traditions and cultural heritage of the Sonbhadra region.

Water Sports Festival

• Date: February
• Location: Allahabad (Prayagraj)
• Organized By: State Government
• Significance: Features various water sports events and activities, promoting tourism and adventure sports.

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FAQs

1. Which district hosts the maximum number of fairs in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Mathura

2. Which fair of Uttar Pradesh is considered the largest fair in the world?
ANSWER: Kumbh Mela

3. For how many days is the Kumbh Mela celebrated?
ANSWER: 2 to 3 months

4. Kumbh Mela is celebrated after a gap of how many years at a place?
ANSWER: 12 years

5. Which fair is not organized in Allahabad (Prayagraj)?
ANSWER: Baisakh Fair

6. In which year did UNESCO inscribe Kumbh Fair/Mela on the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
ANSWER: 2017

7. Which fair starts from Makar Sankranti and ends at Maha Shivratri?
ANSWER: Magh Mela

8. Who introduced the Ramayan fair in 1973?
ANSWER: Kamlapati Tripathi

9. Which mela is organized at Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi?
ANSWER: Dhrupad

10. Name the one-day cattle trading fair of Uttar Pradesh.
ANSWER: Nauchandi Fair

11. Which colorful fair is organized in Meerut after the Holi festival?
ANSWER: Nauchandi Fair

12. Krishna Janmashtami is specially celebrated at which place?
ANSWER: Mathura

13. Name the biggest fair organized in honor of Lord Shiva.
ANSWER: Kailash

14. Shakumbhari Devi fair is organized in which place?
ANSWER: Saharanpur

15. Deva Sharif Mela is organized at which place?
ANSWER: Barabanki

16. Deva Sharif Mela is related to which Sufi Saint?
ANSWER: Haji Waris Ali Shah

17. Dadri Mela is organized at which place?
ANSWER: Gautam Buddh Nagar

18. Which is the second largest cattle fair in India?
ANSWER: Bateshwar Cattle Fair

19. The famous cattle fair of Bateshwar is celebrated in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Agra

20. In which fair is a fest held in honor of Mother Mary?
ANSWER: Sardhana Christian Fair

21. Nakkateya Fair is organized at which place?
ANSWER: Sitapur

22. Syed Salar fair is celebrated at which place?
ANSWER: Bahraich

23. Bal Sundari Devi fair is organized at which place?
ANSWER: Anupshahar

24. Garh Mela of Uttar Pradesh is held every year in which place?
ANSWER: Garhmukteshwar

25. During the Makar Sankranti festival, which fair is organized in Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Khichadi Fair

26. Every year Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Uttar Pradesh at which place?
ANSWER: Barsana

27. Buddha Purnima marks Gautam Buddha’s what?
ANSWER: All of these (Birth, Death (Salvation), Enlightenment)

28. Ganga Dussehra is celebrated at which places?
ANSWER: All of the above (Haridwar, Varanasi, Garhmukteshwar)

29. Which festival starts the five-day-long Diwali Festival?
ANSWER: Dhanteras

30. Which festival is also known as Dev Deepawali?
ANSWER: Kartik Purnima

31. Which festival is known as the festival of sacrifice?
ANSWER: Eid-ul-Zuha

32. Ganga fest is celebrated in which place of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Varanasi

33. Taj Mahotsav is celebrated in which month in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: February-March

34. Who organizes Taj Mahotsav?
ANSWER: Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department

35. Ayurved Jhansi Mahotsav is held in which month of the year?
ANSWER: February

36. Yamuna Mahotsav is organized in which place?
ANSWER: Mathura

37. Ram Barat fest/utsav is organized in which place?
ANSWER: Agra

38. When is the Lucknow festival celebrated?
ANSWER: November-December

39. Sardhana Utsav is organized in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Meerut

40. Water sports festival is celebrated at which place?
ANSWER: Allahabad

41. Match the following fairs to their places: A. Ramayan Mela 1. Agra, B. Kailash Fair 2. Kampil, C. Kampil Fair 3. Varanasi, D. Dhrupad Mela 4. Chitrakoot.
ANSWER: A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

42. Match the following fairs to their places: A. Cattle Fair 1. Allahabad, B. Dhrupad Mela 2. Azamgarh, C. Gobind Sahab Mela 3. Bateshwar, D. Magh Mela 4. Varanasi.
ANSWER: A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1

43. Match the following fairs to their places: A. Bateshwar 1. Barabanki, B. Deva 2. Meerut, C. Haridas Jayanti 3. Agra, D. Nauchandi 4. Vrindavan.
ANSWER: A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4