The three-day UP Day 2026 cultural fest at Lucknow’s Rashtriya Prerna Sthal concluded on a high note on January 26, blending tradition, modernity, and progress in a spectacular display. What started as an organized event swelled into a people’s carnival, with lakhs attending performances that celebrated Uttar Pradesh’s soul.
Folk performers dominated, spreading the fragrance of mitti through dances and songs. Ocean Band’s rock-fusion set electrified the youth, while Vineet Singh and Pratibha Singh Baghel’s voices created magical moments. Departmental stalls traced UP’s growth story, and cultural stages hosted a parade of talents.
Kathak maestro Saurabh-Gaurav Mishra from Varanasi set the classical tone, backed by Puran Maharaj’s tabla wizardry. Shweta Dubey from Banaras and Sheetal Mohan Mishra from Azamgarh mesmerized with vocals. Vishal Gupta’s dance from Lucknow and Chandra Bhushan’s theatrical piece from Unnao won hearts. Indian Ocean’s fusion rocked the venue.
January 25 featured Vineet Singh’s acclaimed semi-classical show. Virendra Singhal’s Bundeli folk, Ranjana Agrawal’s local melodies, Ganesh Pathak’s bhajans, Vandana Kushwaha’s Rai dance, Rahul-Rohit Mishra’s Kathak, Harish Tiwari’s classical gayan, and Ilmas Khan’s tabla added depth.
Finale highlights included Pratibha Singh Baghel’s soul-stirring bhajans, Sudha Pal’s folk dance from Mathura, Devika S. Mangalamukhi’s Kathak from Delhi, Ajay Pandey’s folk singing, Chhedilal’s Birha from Kaushambi, and Shiv-Shivang’s vocals from Rai Bareli. Diverse gharanas’ acts sealed the splendor.
ODOP products and ODOC cuisines were crowd favorites, promoting local crafts and flavors. The ‘Kala Gaon’ village setup with puppetry, stilt walkers, and rustic tea spots evoked UP’s villages vividly. Attendees left with renewed appreciation for the state’s heritage, artists, and unity.
