Digital News Guru Lucknow Desk:
Uttarayani Kauthig 2026
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh — The 25th edition of the Uttarayani Kauthig Festival began today, drawing crowds to the Gomti Riverfront for a vibrant celebration of hill culture, heritage, and community spirit. Organised by the UP Parvatiya Mahaparishad, the 15-day cultural extravaganza was inaugurated with much fanfare and is expected to run until January 28, 2026.
Celebrated annually in Lucknow, the Uttarayani Kauthig Festival symbolises the cultural bridge between Uttar Pradesh and the hill states, particularly Uttarakhand. This year’s event is especially significant as it marks the silver jubilee of the organising body, celebrating 25 years of showcasing mountain traditions, crafts, and hospitality in the heart of Uttar Pradesh.
Inauguration and Opening Events
The festival was formally inaugurated today by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who presided over the opening ceremony held at the riverfront venue. The event drew several MPs, ministers, legislators, social workers and local dignitaries, highlighting the importance of cultural exchanges between regions.
A grand procession was a highlight of the inaugural day — beginning at Ramlila Maidan and moving through neighbourhoods across Lucknow. The procession featured decorated chariots, traditional bands, tableaux, folk performers and participants from areas including Neelmatha, Gomti Nagar, Alambagh, Indira Nagar, Rajajipuram, LDA Colony, and Sitapur Road. It culminated at the main festival site, where a series of cultural performances and festivities officially marked the start of the Kauthig celebrations.
A Showcase of Hill Culture
Uttarayani Kauthig is designed to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayan hill regions, bringing the folk art, handicrafts, cuisine and traditions of mountainous areas to the plains. This year’s festival features around 168 stalls showcasing a variety of goods — woollens, textiles, spices, paintings, utensils, and sarees that represent the traditional craftsmanship of Uttarakhand and neighbouring states. Visitors can also enjoy regional cuisine stalls offering local specialties from Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, alongside popular street foods.
The cultural performances form an essential part of the celebrations. Chholia and Jhora dances — traditional dance forms from the hills — are scheduled throughout the festival, with about 25 dance teams competing in daily programmes. Each day also features dance dramas and folk songs depicting mountain folklore, performed by artists from Uttarakhand.
Community Engagement and Cultural Exchange
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Uttarayani Kauthig Festival is its role as a platform for cultural exchange. Residents of Lucknow and visitors from across Uttar Pradesh and northern India gather not just to enjoy vibrant performances but also to learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the hill communities. The festival offers an immersive experience into the art, music, dance and craft heritage of regions that are geographically distant but culturally connected.
Festival coordinator K.N. Chandola highlighted in a press briefing that the event aims to foster greater understanding and appreciation of mountain culture among city dwellers, while also providing artisans and performers a broader platform to showcase their talents. The event’s silver jubilee further underscores its growing role as a symbol of unity and cultural pride across states.
Honouring Local Leaders and Artists
The opening ceremony also included honours for prominent local figures. Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal was felicitated with the Parvat Gaurav Samman 2026, a recognition of her support for promoting cultural engagement and community events in the city. Such honours underscore the festival’s focus not only on artistic performance but also civic and cultural leadership.
Popular Highlights and Festive Attractions
Throughout the festival, visitors can explore several attractions:
- Artisan stalls featuring handcrafted woollens, fabrics, paintings, and spices offered by makers from hill regions.
- Local food zones with regional hill delicacies and mainstream snacks, offering a culinary journey for food lovers.
- Daily performances of folk dance, music and drama, capturing stories and traditions from mountainous communities.
- Cultural engagement spaces where traditional artists interact directly with audiences, showcasing age-old skills and techniques.
These elements ensure that the festival is not just a spectacle but also an educational and interactive platform for all age groups. Families, tourists, art students, and local residents alike have embraced the festival’s wide range of activities — from performance art to cuisine tastings and craft exhibitions.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond its cultural value, the Uttarayani Kauthig Festival also has a positive economic impact on the local community. Street vendors, artisans, performers and small business owners benefit from increased footfall during the festival period. Lodging, transport, and local services also see a noticeable uptick in activity as visitors come from surrounding districts and states to participate in the festivities.
For many artisans from Uttarakhand, the festival provides an important commercial platform — enabling craftspeople and performers to sell traditional products and earn a livelihood while keeping unique crafts alive in a modern marketplace.
Looking Ahead: Festival Schedule and Expectations
The Uttarayani Kauthig Festival will continue its 15-day run until January 28, 2026, with daily cultural performances, exhibitions, competitions and community gatherings. Each day promises new experiences — from folklore dance competitions to storytelling programmes and musical events that celebrate the vibrancy of mountain cultures.
Authorities and organisers expect thousands of visitors throughout the festival period, contributing to a lively atmosphere at the Gomti Riverfront. Planning committees have also ensured that there are safety measures, sanitation facilities, and crowd management protocols in place, allowing families and tourists to enjoy the festivities comfortably.
Conclusion: A Festival of Tradition and Togetherness
The Uttarayani Kauthig Festival in Lucknow stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of India’s diverse cultural heritage — bringing together the traditions of the Himalayan hill states and the plains in a vibrant, celebratory environment. With its blend of art, music, craft, and culinary experiences, the festival not only entertains but educates and connects people across generations and geographies. As the silver jubilee edition gets underway, residents and visitors alike are set for a memorable cultural journey that highlights the strength and beauty of regional diversity in India.
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