A year of religious and cultural celebrations
Uttar Pradesh has a distinctive festival calendar shaped by Hindu traditions, Buddhist heritage, Islamic celebrations, Sikh observances and regional cultural practices. Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Varanasi are especially important centres of pilgrimage and festival culture.
The Braj region is particularly known for its extended Holi traditions, including Phulera Dooj, Laddu Maar Holi and Lathmar Holi. Mathura and Vrindavan are also major centres for Krishna Janmashtami and Radha Ashtami celebrations.
Ayodhya's Diwali celebrations are closely associated with Deepotsav, while Varanasi is renowned for Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepawali. Agra's Taj Mahotsav adds a major cultural arts, crafts, cuisine and performance event to the state's annual calendar.