Holi heralds the beginning of spring and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. According to a legend, Hiranya Kashyap, the demon who ruled over 'Sapta Deep' believed himself to be more powerful than God. He contemplated killing his youngest son Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu after he refused to worship him as God. Holika, the demon's sister who possessed a divine, garment to protect her from fire, agreed to enter the burning pyre with Prahlad in her lap but got burnt herself. Holi thus signifies the triumph of good over evil and is marked by grand festivities all over India and particularly in the Braj area where it is celebrated with great gaiety and fervour. It is believed that Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, in human form played holi with the Gopi's (cowherd maids) in the ancient past. Keeping this tradition alive in Braj, Holi celebrations last for more than a week and are marked by people sprinkling colored water & smearing colored powder on each other. The playful teasing of the Gopis by the Gopas (cowherd boys) is enacted by groups of men and women through special Holi songs and dances, called Rasiya.

Barsana Holi

48 km. from Mathura at Barsana, is celebrated the famous "Latthmaar Holi" of Braj. Tradition has it that Krishna from Nandgaon use to come to Barsana to play Holi with Radha alongwith his Gopi friends. The Gopis after merriment chased away the Gopas of Nandgaon by beating them with "lathis". So it came to be known as the 'Latthmar Holi' of Barsana. To this day, the village women have the freedom to literally take up cudgels against their menfolk, a right they exercise with all enthusiasm and shower colored water as an expression of joy. The main celebrations at Barsana, take place at the Ladliji temple, dedicated to Sri Radha Rani, (the beloved of Sri Krishna).

Nandgaon

The day after Barsana Holi, it's the turn of Nandgaon to get soaked with the myriad hues of holi. The men and women of Barsana go to Nandgaon (7 km.) to play Latthmar Holi with each other.

Dadjee Ka Huranga (Baldeo)

20 km. from Mathura, the town is named after Balram the elder brother of Sri Krishna. A temple dedicated to Baldeo stands in the centre of the town. The Holi festival celebrated here is famous as Daujee Ka Huranga. Men & women collect here in large numbers to play holi.

Falen

Falen, a village 15 km. from Kosi, celebrates Holi in a very special way and has great significance. A "Panda" (Holyman) walks bare feet over holy pyres without getting burnt, symbolising Prahlad's emergence from the burning pyre unharmed.

Shitla Ashtami

It falls on eight day after Holi, is devoted to the goddess of small-pox, followed by Ram Navami on Chaitra Sudi Navami, commemorating the birth of Lord Rama; Baisakhi Purnima, a big bathing day; Bargadee Amavasya in Jaistha Dussehra, another great bathing day; Guru Purnima in Asadh when Vyas Puja is held and Nag Panchami dedicated to the worship of the Snake God, Shesha.

Shivratri

It is celebrated in honour of the birth of Lord Shiva and falls on the thirteen day of the dark half of Phalguna. A fast is observed during the day and a vigil is kept at night when the god is worshipped. The temples of Shiva are specially decorated and devotees offer water and flowers.

Ram Navami

It falls on the ninth day of the bright half of the Chaitra to celebrate the birthday of Lord Rama. People fast on this day and the temples of Lord Rama are decorated & illuminated at night. The Ramayana is read in the temples and in the homes of many Hindus, large numbers of devotees flock to listen to the recitations.

Buddh Purnima

Buddh Purnima is celebrated during the month of May. This festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety specially in Sarnath. This day Lord Buddha was born. A large fair is held in Sarnath and the relics of Buddha are taken out in a procession for public viewing on this day.

Janamastmi

It falls on the eight day of the dark half of the Bhadra to commemorate the birthday of Lord Krishna. People fast throughout the day and break their fast with the eating of prasad which is distributed at midnight after the anniversary of the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated.

Naga Panchami

It is celebrated on the fifth day of bright half of the Sravana to propitiate nagas or serpent gods. This is a big rainy season festival and women & girls sing songs. During these days, swinging is very popular. Drawings of snakes are made on the walls of houses and are worshipped with milk, rice and flowers are offered to them.

Dasssehra

It falls on the tenth of the bright half of the Asvina and is celebrated with the great enthusiasm in the district. It commemorates the victory of Rama over Ravana. Ramlila celebrations are held at different place in the state.

Dussehra of Allahabad

Dussehra of Allahabad is unique in the entire northern India. During Dussehra period, in the evening and at night beautifully decorated "Chowkis" (tableau) are taken out from different localities, depicting various scenes from Indian mythology. Every 'Chowki' is decorated so tastefully that it is a sight to behold. There is a sense of pride and spirit of competition in bringing out the most beautiful 'Chowki'.

Dussehra of Ayodhya

The place is popular for mandali Ramlilas. The performance is dialogue - based and presented on a platform stage. High standard of performance is complemented by songs and kathak dances and eye catching décor.

Karva Chauth

This festival falls on nine days after Dussehra, on the fourth day of the dark fortnight of Kartika. Karva Chauth is held by married Hindu woman for the safety and prosperity of their husbands. The day is spent in complete fasting till the rise of the moon and it is worshipped by women. Four days later, is the festival of Ahoi Astami, when women fast and pray for the welfare of their children. Followed five days later, by a series of festivals culminating in Diwali, the festival of lights on Kartika Amavasya.

Bharat Milap

It is celebrated during the month of October or November is performed at Nati Imli on the day following Vijayadashmi (Dusshera). It pertains to the episode of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and his reunion with his brother Bharat. Just as the last rays of the setting sun touch the stage, the performance takes barely three minutes to enact.

Another episode from Ram Lila pertains to Shoorpnakha, demon king Ravana's sister. This festival is held on the 4th night of Kartika at Chetganj. It lasts almost the whole night. The 'Kalia Daman' episode from 'Krishna Lila' is celebrated in November on the Tulsi ghat. Shivratri is celebrated on the 14th day of Phalgun. 'Ganga-Dussehra' and 'Nirjala Ekadashi' fall on the 10th day of bright half of Jayestha. It is believed that Ganga waters reached Haridwar this day in the remote past. The next day, is the day of fasting for all the devotees. Panchkoshi Parikarma is another famous pilgrimage. It is held in the month of Vaisakh, circumambulation of 'Kashi-Dharma Kshetra'.

Dipavali

The festival of lights, falls on the last day of the dark half of Kartika. Festivities start two days earlier with Dhanteras when metals utensils are purchased as a token of prosperity. The next day, Narak Chaturdashi, a few small earthen lamps(diyas) are lit as a preliminary to the main day of the festival when every Hindu house in the state illuminated and the goddess laxmi is worshipped. Businessman and Trades close their account on this day and start their new year and pray for prosperity in it. There is no fasting on this ocassion as Divali is regarded as a festival of feasting.

Annakut or Govardhan Puja

On the first day of the full moon, Shri Krishna worshipped Govardhan along with all the villagers folk. To commemorate this day, 56 type of food items are prepared. At the doorstep Govardhan is made of cow dung, on which sticks and cotton are put. The married at first are their brothers and nephews and then pray for their longer life and prosperity.

Muslim Festivals

The most solemn and colourful Muslim function held in the state is Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet. In all cities and towns Muslims take out impressive processions of colourfully decorated tazias, replicas of the martyr's tomb at Karbala. The most solemn and impressive Muharram is observed in Lucknow, where gold and silver replicas of old Nawabi times are brought out and men beat their chests in mourning constantly until blood oozes out. The two Imambaras and Shah Najaf are beautifully illuminated for two days. An impressive event is a fire-walking feat held in one of the Imambaras. After the burial of the tazias on the tenth day, a gathering of mourners in utter darkness is held, known as Majlis Sham-i-Ghariban, one of the most soul-stirring events among Muharram observances. The other occasions of religious importance for Muslims are Id-Ul-Fitr, Ramzan(a month devoted to fasting), Chehlum, Bara Wafat, Shah-i-Barat and Id-Uz-Zuha.

The main festivals of the Christians are Christmas which falls on 25th Dec.; Good Friday.

The important festivals of the Sikhs are the birthday of their gurus, Nanak and Govind Singh;Lorhi and Baishaki.

Festivals Organised by U.P Tourism Department

Name of Festivals

Ganga Water Ralley, Allahabad-Varanasi Taj Mahotsava, Agra
Ayurveda-Jhansi Mahotsava, Jhansi
Ganga Mahotasava, Varanasi
Lucknow Mahotsava
Buddha Mahotasav, Sarnath
One Day Buddha Mahotsav, Kaushambhi

Fairs

More than 2,250 fairs are held in Uttar Pradesh. The largest number of fairs are held in Mathura, followed by Kanpur, Hamispur, Jhansi, Agra and Fatehpur. The other important fairs are Parikrama fair at Nimsar- Misrikh on Phalgun Sudi 11-15, Magh Mela in the month of Magh at the Sangam in Allahabad, Ram Navami at ayodhya, Devi Patan fair in Gonda district, Mahabir Mela at Lucknow on the first Tuesday of Jaistha, Govinda Sahib ka Mela at Amari, in Azamgarh district, Jhanda Mela at Dehra Dun and the Etawah Cattle Fair and Exhibition in Kartika or Agrahana. The solar and lunar eclipses are great bathing days. At Allahabad and Hardwar are held Kumbha Melas every 12 years.

Fifteen days after Diwali, on Kartika Purnima day, all over the state on the river banks, fairs are held and people bathe for purification . The biggest fairs are held in Bijnor (Khari Jhalu block), Moradabad (Tigri), Budaun (Kakora), Bareilly (Chaubari), Muzaffarnagar (Shukra Tal), Garhmukteshwar, Anupshahr, Unnao (Ganga Ghat), Kanpur, Faizabad (Ayodhya), Varanasi and Ballia (Dadri), drawing crowds from one lakh to four lakhs. The day is also sacred to the Sikhs, being the birthday of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism. Another famous fair is the three day Ratha Yatra on the 17th day of Aswin and is held at Assi.

Kumbh Mela (Allahabad)

One of the largest congregations of the devout Hindu from all across the world, the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years on the banks of the Sangam. The Mela is attended by saints, pilgrims, believers and millions of followers. A holy dip in the sacred waters and offerings to the Sun-God are believed to cleanse the soul. The Mela easily surpasses all other events on earth, for the sheer religious fervour displayed by the devotees as also their deep-abiding faith. On its best days, the Kumbh attracts millions of people who congregate on the banks of the holy Sangam. During the Mela, literally overnight, a temporary township comes up for over a month where the devout (Kalpvasis) live.

Ardh Kumbh Mela (Allahabad)

The half Kumbh, this festival is held ever six years on the banks of Sangam. Second only to the Kumbh in sanctity, the Ardh Kumbh also attracts devouts in millions, from all over the world.

Magh Mela (Mini Kumbh Mela, Allahabad)

Held in the years other than the years of Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh, the Magh Mela is no less than an annual mini Kumbh Mela.

Lucknow Festival

The Lucknow Festival is a ten day long event held between 25 November and 5 December. This festival celebrates Lucknow's living culture. A brilliant showcase of arts & crafts, the festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Colorful processions, traditional dramas, Kathak dances in the style of the famous Lucknow gharana, sarangi and sitar recitals along with ghazals, qawalis and thumri create a festive atmosphere. Exciting events like ekka races, kite flying, cock fighting and other traditional village games makes the city alive.

Deva Mela

The annual urs of Haji Waris Ali Shah is celebrated between October and November at Deva 10 km. from Barabanki. This fair attracts pilgrims from as far as Pakistan and the Middle East Countries. The shrine of the Sufi Saint is much revered by Muslim pilgrims all over the world.