Banda, the historic heart of Uttar Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region, is set to transform into a vibrant cultural hub from February 15 to 17, 2026. Under the captivating theme ‘Echoes of History, Soul of Culture,’ the Kalyanjar Mahotsav promises a three-day spectacle blending rich heritage, tourism, and community participation.
Organized jointly by the District Tourism and Culture Council and local administration at the Katra Kalyanjar Mela Ground, the festival will showcase an extraordinary fusion of folk traditions, arts, music, and sports. Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasized that this event serves as a powerful platform to redefine Bundelkhand’s historical consciousness and cultural grandeur on a national scale.
Expect mesmerizing performances of Bundelkhandi folk dances, soul-stirring Alha ballads, devotional bhajans, and lively folk songs that will elevate regional traditions to prominence. Set against the majestic backdrop of Kalyanjar Fort, the festival offers unforgettable experiences for tourists from across India and abroad.
The itinerary is packed with diversity. Daily sports festivals from 8 AM to 4 PM feature kho-kho on February 15, kabaddi on the 16th, and wrestling on the 17th, channeling youthful energy into healthy competition. ‘Banda Got Talent’ from 1 PM to 3 PM highlights local prodigies—school-level on day one, college-level on day two, and district champions on the finale.
Evenings ignite with cultural heritage sessions from 4 PM to 6 PM, featuring Bundelkhandi dances, folk singing, and heroic Alha recitals. The grand cultural evenings from 6 PM to 10 PM star Tripti Shakya and Group on opening night, Sado the Band and Radha Shrivastava on the second, and acclaimed singer Mamta Sharma alongside Raja Rencho for a memorable close.
Adding economic vibrancy, the Mandal Sarass Mela will display products from National Rural Livelihood Mission self-help groups, departmental stalls, seminars, and workshops, boosting local crafts and entrepreneurship. Additional Secretary Tourism, Culture, and Religious Affairs Amrit Abhijat hailed the mahotsav as a pivotal step in globalizing Bundelkhand’s legacy, noting the state’s Republic Day tableau spotlight on Kalyanjar Fort. This event is poised to revolutionize tourism, empower local economies, and preserve cultural identity for generations.