UP Diwas celebrations kick off in Lucknow with fervour; grand exhibition set up

Uttar Pradesh Day, or UP Diwas, celebrated on January 24 every year to commemorate the foundation day of the state, is being celebrated in the capital city in all grandeur and fervour.

Kick starting celebrations in cultural, traditional, and artistic hues, the UP Diwas exhibition set up at Lucknow's Awadh Shilpgram has in its embrace 75 UP districts assembled together under one roof. The trademark or symbolic indigenous product of every district, under One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, has, as we speak, found its representation at this vivacious exhibition here in town.

From Lakhimpur's jaggery to Jhansi's soft toys, Mirzapur's Copper products, Azamgarh Silk sarees, Sultanpur's handmade bags, chairs, ropes, pen stands, and baskets, to Bulandshahr's pottery, leather products from Agra, Bhadohi carpets, and Saharanpur woodwork — the exquisite craftsmanship of local artisans is sure to win numerous hearts of spectators. Meanwhile, Lucknow's Chikankari has always been a crowd favourite.

Besides all the shopping and eating, gear up for an enriching extravaganza for a row of exciting cultural programmes has begun already. In the itinerary are some renowned faces coming to take the place by storm.

While Day 1 saw Kanhaiya Lal's devotional performance and famed Hindi writers' Mushaira, you can look forward to popular Bhojpuri actor, singer, producer and politician Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua's performance on Day 2 (January 25). On the final day, famous Sufi band from Mumbai, Kabir Cafe, is arriving to render an enthralling show at 7 PM.

Join in the indigenous shopping haul to echo your support for local products and of artisans, whilst enjoying a solid show by artistes and celebrate UP Diwas as joyously as ever. Besides Lucknow, all districts are celebrating the Uttar Pradesh Day in their own manner!

P.S. Entry here is free and while the grand exhibition will go on till February 21, the cultural programmes will run for three days ending on January 26.

When: Till February 21, 9 AM - 10 PM

Where: Awadh Shilpgram, Sector 9, Amar Shaheed Path, Awadh Vihar Yojna