Religious & Spiritual Tourism

Major Events & Fairs in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh hosts some of India’s largest and most vibrant fairs & festivals, blending spirituality, culture, history, and tradition. These fairs attract millions of travelers from across the world, making them unmissable experiences for any visitor.

1. Kumbh Mela – The World’s Largest Religious Gathering

 Where? Prayagraj (Allahabad)
 Next Maha Kumbh Mela: 2025

 Why is it special?

• The largest human gathering on Earth, with millions of devotees and saints.
• Pilgrims take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati).
• Features spiritual discourses, religious rituals, and cultural performances.
• Held every 12 years (Maha Kumbh) and every 6 years (Ardh Kumbh).

Pro Tip: Book your accommodations months in advance as hotels and camps fill up fast!

2. Taj Mahotsav – A Grand Cultural Extravaganza

 Where? Agra (Shilpgram, near the Taj Mahal)
 When? February (10-day festival)

 Why is it special?

• Celebrates Mughal culture, art, dance, and handicrafts.
• Features classical dance performances, camel & elephant rides, and street food stalls.
• An amazing place to buy authentic souvenirs like marble inlay work, carpets, and zardozi embroidery.

Pro Tip: Arrive in the evening for the best cultural performances under the Taj Mahal’s glow.

3. Ayodhya Deepotsav – The Grandest Diwali Celebration

 Where? Ayodhya
 When? Diwali (October-November)

 Why is it special?

• Ayodhya lights millions of diyas (lamps) on the Saryu River, setting world records!
• Features Ram Leela performances, cultural parades, and grand fireworks.
• Best place to experience Diwali in its most magical form.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to witness the spectacular lamp-lighting ceremony.

4. Holi in Barsana & Mathura – The Festival of Colors

 Where? Barsana, Nandgaon, and Mathura
 When? March (Holi Festival)

 Why is it special?

• Barsana’s Lathmar Holi – Women playfully hit men with sticks while men try to shield themselves.
• Phoolon Ki Holi (Flower Holi) in Vrindavan – Priests shower devotees with flower petals.
• Mathura & Vrindavan celebrate Holi with week-long processions, music, and colors.

Pro Tip: Wear old clothes, protect your eyes, and avoid carrying valuables.

5. Ramnagar Ram Leela – The Oldest Ramayan Theatre

 Where? Ramnagar, Varanasi
 When? Navratri (September-October, 30-day event)

 Why is it special?

• The world’s oldest Ram Leela, performed for over 200 years!
• Unlike short Ram Leela versions, this goes on for an entire month.
• The performance takes place across different locations, making it a grand experience.

Pro Tip: Follow the actors as they move to different parts of the town for different scenes!

6. Bateshwar Fair – The Rural Cattle Fair & Spiritual Gathering

 Where? Bateshwar (Near Agra)
 When? October-November

 Why is it special?

• One of India’s oldest cattle fairs, held on the banks of the Yamuna River.
• Features camel & horse trading, folk performances, and rural festivities.
• Also a major pilgrimage fair with devotees visiting Bateshwar’s 101 Shiva temples.

Pro Tip: Visit during the first half for the animal fair, and the second half for the religious festivities.

7. Lucknow Mahotsav – A Celebration of Nawabi Culture

 Where? Lucknow
 When? November-December (10-day festival)

 Why is it special?

• A grand festival celebrating Lucknow’s Nawabi heritage.
• Best place to experience: Kathak dance, Qawwali, poetry sessions, and Awadhi cuisine.
• Explore Chikankari stalls, Mughlai food courts, and handicrafts from all over India.

Pro Tip: Try Galouti Kebabs & Lucknowi Biryani at the food stalls!

8. Magh Mela – The Mini Kumbh of Prayagraj

 Where? Prayagraj (Allahabad)
 When? January-February

 Why is it special?

• A mini version of Kumbh Mela, where millions gather at Triveni Sangam for a holy dip.
• Features spiritual discourses, meditation camps, and religious processions.
• Perfect for a more peaceful and less crowded experience than Kumbh Mela.

Pro Tip: Stay in a spiritual camp (Akharas) to experience the festival like a local.

9. Ganga Dussehra – A Celebration of the Sacred River

 Where? Varanasi, Prayagraj, Haridwar
 When? June

 Why is it special?

• Celebrates the descent of River Ganga to Earth.
• Devotees take a holy dip and offer floating lamps (Deep Dan) on the Ganges.
• Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti is grander than usual on this day.

Pro Tip: Take a boat ride in Varanasi to witness the entire spectacle.

10. Naimisharanya Mela – The Sacred Pilgrimage Fair

 Where? Naimisharanya (Near Sitapur, 90 km from Lucknow)
 When? February-March

 Why is it special?

• A major Hindu pilgrimage site, believed to be the land where the Vedas were narrated.
• The fair includes religious discourses, bathing rituals, and traditional performances.
• A hidden gem for spiritual travelers looking for less crowded holy sites.

Uttar Pradesh hosts some of the biggest and most colorful fairs in India, offering a mix of spirituality, culture, music, food, and adventure. Whether it’s the grand Kumbh Mela, the vibrant Taj Mahotsav, or the electrifying Holi in Mathura, these events provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers