Uttarakhand Festival Brings Himalayan Flavors and Crafts to Lucknow
The Uttarayani Kauthig 2026 festival kicked off with great enthusiasm in Lucknow on Wednesday. Organized by the UP Parvatiya Mahaparishad, this 15-day event is taking place at the Govind Ballabh Pant Parvatiye Sanskriti Upvan. Visitors flocked to the venue, drawn by the vibrant displays of Himalayan tea, aromatic herbs, and intricate bamboo artworks.
Chief Minister Inaugurates the Festival
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially inaugurated the festival. He emphasized its importance for local artisans and farmers. "This festival provides a crucial platform for weavers, artisans, and farmers who often lack a fixed place to sell their products," Dhami stated. "It also offers a wonderful opportunity for people from Uttarakhand to reconnect with each other. Uttarayani is not just a festival; it is a true reflection of Uttarakhand's rich culture."
The Chief Minister also shared his personal connection with Lucknow. "I have a special bond with this city as I studied here," he recalled. "Lucknow taught me about my responsibilities towards the nation and society. It gave me direction, showed me how to struggle, and most importantly, guided me on the path of public service."
Honors and Shopping Highlights
During the event, Mayor Sushma Kharakwal received the prestigious Parvat Samman 2026 award. The festival grounds buzzed with activity as customers eagerly purchased a variety of goods. Popular items included:
- Himalayan herbs like lemon grass, thyme, and rosemary
- Squashes, jams, and pickles
- Tea packs, including chamomile and hibiscus varieties
- Jaggery and other traditional sweets
- Bamboo artworks from regions like Almora
Meena Rekhi, one of the attendees, expressed her delight. "I bought chamomile and hibiscus tea packs along with some delicious apple jam," she said. Another visitor, Vinita Bisht, shared her purchases. "I picked up beautiful bamboo artworks from Almora and some Himalayan herbs such as lemon grass, thyme, and rosemary," she mentioned.
Stall Owners Showcase Their Craft
Vikram Arya, who runs a stall specializing in bamboo artworks, described his offerings. "We have a wide range of products," he explained. "Along with bamboo paintings, we offer bamboo and cane baskets, hot cases, bangle boxes, lamps, hair-clips, trays, and wall hangings."
Cultural Performances and Processions
The festival's first day was packed with cultural activities. A colorful shobha yatra, or procession, started from the Mahanagar Ramlila ground and made its way to Kapoorthala before arriving at the festival venue. Participants included:
- People from Kumaoni, Garhwali, and Jaunsari communities
- Dance troupes from across Lucknow
The procession featured lively dancing to the energetic beats of the dhol. In the evening, the famous chholi and jhora dances of Uttarakhand were performed, captivating the audience. Folk singer Neeraj Chuphal from Uttarakhand added to the festive atmosphere by singing traditional songs like 'Ho kalam shururu' and 'Kaushila ghumi aali garud'.
The Uttarayani Kauthig 2026 festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Uttarakhand's heritage, offering Lucknow residents a unique glimpse into the region's culture, crafts, and cuisine over the next two weeks.
