Lucknow’s Rashtriya Prerna Sthal turned into a cultural extravaganza from January 24 to 26 as Uttar Pradesh celebrated UP Day 2026 with a three-day spectacle. Millions of residents flocked to the event, transforming it into a massive public festival that showcased the state’s rich heritage, artistic talents, and developmental strides.
The grand finale featured a dazzling array of performances. Local folk artists infused the air with the scent of UP’s soil through energetic dances and soulful singing. Rock fusion by the Ocean Band had the crowd, especially the youth, swaying in delight. Singers Vineet Singh and Pratibha Singh Baghel captivated audiences with their melodic renditions, earning thunderous applause.
Exhibitions from various government departments highlighted UP’s journey of progress, while the Culture Department brought the state’s traditions alive on stage. From Varanasi’s Saurabh-Gaurav Mishra’s classical Kathak to Puran Maharaj’s mesmerizing tabla beats, every act was a masterpiece. Banaras’ Shweta Dubey and Azamgarh’s Sheetal Mohan Mishra enchanted with their sweet vocals, as Lucknow’s Vishal Gupta dazzled with classical dance. Unnao’s Chandra Bhushan stole the show with a compelling play, drawing cheers from all corners.
Day two spotlighted Mumbai’s Vineet Singh’s semi-classical music, complemented by Bundeli folk from Jhansi’s Virendra Singhal and Lucknow’s Ranjana Agrawal’s earthy tunes. Varanasi’s Ganesh Pathak showered devotional bhajans, while Jhansi’s Vandana Kushwaha performed Rai folk dance. The Kathak duo from Varanasi, Rahul-Rohit Mishra, wove magic with rhythm, joined by Delhi’s Harish Tiwari’s classical singing and Lucknow’s Ilmas Khan’s tabla mastery.
The closing day on January 26 belonged to Pratibha Singh Baghel’s bhajans and light music. Mathura’s Sudha Pal and Delhi’s Devika S. Mangalamukhi presented folk and Kathak dances, respectively. Lucknow’s Ajay Pandey and Kaushambi’s Chhedilal delivered folk and Birha singing, evoking rural life’s emotions. Rai Bareli’s Shiv and Shivang rounded off with powerful vocals, ensuring a memorable conclusion.
A major draw were Chief Minister’s flagship schemes ODOP (One District One Product) and ODOC (One District One Cuisine). Local delicacies tantalized taste buds, while handicrafts showcased UP’s artisanal legacy. The Culture Department’s ‘Art Village’ recreated rural UP with Ramayana characters, puppet shows, acrobats, and tea stalls, immersing visitors in authentic regional vibes. This event not only entertained but also instilled pride in UP’s diverse cultural tapestry.
