| Known for ages for its rich ancient traditions, Uttar Pradesh abounds in places of religious importance. There are also a large number of places which cannot be only called places of pilgrimage but which have great importance from historical and tourist point of view also. The State is specially known for its cultural centers. |
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| Taj Mahotsav- Agra |
A ten-day event, the Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a culturally vibrant platform that brings together the finest Indian Crafts and cultural nuances. Starting on 18th February each year in Shilpgram, the Taj Mahotsav is a much-awaited event. It is a festive introduction to India and Uttar Pradesh. India's extensive arts, crafts and culture are on display. Folk music, shayari (poetry) and classical dance performances as well as elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival, all form a part of the festivities.
The Taj Mahotsav is a non-stop 10 day carnival held annually at Shilpgram, near Tajmahal. The impressive festival commences with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendor. Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and master craftsmen together recreate the glorious past of the Mughals.
The Taj Mahal Mahotsav area becomes a live culture, crafts and traditions. It is a great opportunity for legendary artisans to display their exquisite works of art. Marble of course rules the festivities each year for obvious reasons. Besides these, crafts include wood carvings from Saharanpur, brass and other metal ware from Moradabad, handmade carpets of Badohi, the pottery of Khurja, chickan-work of Lucknow, the silk of Banaras and much more. The Taj Mahotsav is truly India at her best with a glimpse of her rich heritage and extraordinary legacies. |
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| Ganga Mahotsav |
Ganga Mahotsav is a five day event celebrated on the banks of the river Ganges in Varanasi. This festival is celebrated to promote Varanasi as the cultural capital of India and the Ganges as India's lifeline. Ganga has always been an integral part of India and is considered as a thing of reverence by the Hindus. Ganga gives a sense of belonging to the people of India especially those living near the banks.
Ganga Mahotsav is organized on Dev Deepavali or the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik. It is believed that on the day of Dev Deepavali God descends from Heaven to take a bath in the Ganges. The banks of the river Ganga are lit with earthen lamps or diyas amidst chanting of Vedic hymns. The ghats of Ganga wear a mystic look as hundreds of people walk to take bathe in the wee hours of the holy day. Men and women take a holy dip in the river while chanting mantras and doing surya namaskar or bowing to the sun-God.
The festival also gives importance to dance and music as various cultural programmes promoting Indian dance and music are organized. Some of the exponents of Indian music have performed in this festival. They include stalwarts like , Pundit Chhanulal Misra, Girija Devi, Bal Murli Krishnan, Bhimsen Joshi, Birju Maharaj, Amjad Ali Khan, Vilayat Khan, Zila Khan, Sujat Khan and Zakir Hussein who added zest to this festival. The event is a must for all tourists to get a glimpse of the culture of Varanasi. |
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| Bateshwar Fair (Near Agra) |
The state of Uttar Pradesh is popular for its rich spiritual legacy with the series of religious festivals celebrated across the state. The long list of festivals and fairs of the state includes the Bateshwar Fair on the top of the list. The well-known Bateshwar fair is held at Bateshwar, the spiritual and cultural centre of the state.
Bateshwar is located at a distance of 70 km. from Agra on the banks of river Yamuna.
The place is named after presiding divine being of the place Bateshwar Mahadeo and has 108 temples, dedicated to the divine deities of the Hindu pantheon.The Bateshwar Fair is of great importance in Hindu religion.
The fair is held in the month of karthik which is considered very auspicious and sacred in Hindu religion so large number of devotees flock towards the place to take holy dip in Yamuna and worship Lord Shiva along with this also witness the grand Bateshwar Fair.
Bateshwar Fair is proverbial for cattle fair which is organized with lots of fanfare where people either sell or purchase livestock. The fair includes the market of large numbers of Camels, Horses, oxen, elephants, goats, and other cattle.
There are lots of shops for visitor other then animal market like different shops offering variety of products from furniture, handicrafts and cosmetics to traditional cooking utensils and spices.
The Bateshwar livestock fair is organized for 3 weeks. The first two weeks mark the cattle fair which begin with the market of cows, oxen, camels and horses ends with the market of donkeys and goats.
The third week holds market of different household products and rides for the complete entertainment of visitors of the fair. The Bateshwar Fair presents the colorful glimpse of the rural life of India in a true sense.
Bateshwar Fair is celebrated with a great deal of ardor and enthusiasm. The Bateshwar Fair starts from Shashti in the month of Kartik and ends on Panchami in the month of Agrahayan. According to Gregorian calendar, the fair falls in the months of October and November. In 2009, the Bateshwar Fair is from 15 October to 2nd November. |
