Art and culture of uttar pradesh

The culture of Uttar Pradesh is painted in the form of folk dances, conventional cuisines, long imparted values and traditions. It draws a large number of tourists worldwide because of the historic cities, rustic ancient forts, bustling markets and vibrant culture. Other than the Folk Music, dance, art and craft, people of Uttar Pradesh are known to adhere to their rich cultural heritage and traditional norms. They also take pride to be the first to introduce the two great Epics– Ramayan and Mahabharat to the world. The state also has a plethora of fairs and festivals that adds to the charm and charisma of the state.

Fairs and Festivals of uttar pradesh

Deva Mela

Deva mela, Barabanki is annually held at Deva, 10 km. from Barabanki at the revered shrine of the Haji Waris Ali Shah. Held in months of October and November, Deva mela at Barabanki show-cases the spirit of communal harmony in Uttar Pradesh and India.

Deva mela, Barabanki features games, music, poetry conferences and great shopping opportunities. But it is fundamentally a religious fair, and attracts devotees from all over India, Pakistana and from parts of the Middle East as well. Deva mela, Barabanki is primarily a Muslim religious occasion. The Urs or commemoration of the sacred shrine of the Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah is attended by devoted Muslims from every corner of India. The fact that it attracts devotees in great numbers from the neighboring countries, provides great opportunities for each visitor interaction with the neighboring brethren.

The feeling of peace and harmony is predominant. Because of its pomp and color, Deva mela of Barabanki attracts many non-Muslims as well. As such, the fair ground becomes a site of communal harmony and national unity which represents the very spirit of India.

A cattle fare is the highlight of Deva mela, Barabanki. There are games like volleyball, hockey and athletics held daily. They add much to the excitement of the people who gather at the fair grounds. musical conferences, poetic conferences and many other cultural events that add to the attraction of Barabanki’s Deva mela. Many shops are set up to commemorate the occasion. These shops, which are beautifully illuminated at night, provide great vibrancy to the fair ground along with shopping opportunities to the visitors. Many sell authentic handicrafts made by the master craftspersons of Uttar Pradesh at Deva mela, Barabanki. The fair ends on a high note with a great exhibition of fireworks on the final night.

Holi

Holi marks the onset of spring. It is celebrated with colors and great spirit.Holi in Uttar Pradesh is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety.As the legend goes, Hiranya Kashyap, the demon ruler of the ‘Sapta Deep’ used to think that he was more powerful than God. He attempted to murder his youngest son Prahlad, who had deep faith on Lord Vishnu. This was because the child refused to acknowledge him to be mightier than the God. Holika, the sister of the demon, who had a divine garment which would save her from fire, entered the burning pyre along with Prahlad on her lap. But she got burnt.

Holi thereby marks the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with grand extravaganza throughout Uttar Pradesh. The Indian mythological tale tells us that Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, in human form celebrated holi with the Gopi’s (cowherd maids). To commemorate this tradition with honor, in Braj, holi celebrations continues for more than a week.

Rambarat

The marriage procession of Sri Ram is held every year during Ramlila celebrations at Agra. Every year a new locale of the town is chosen as Janakpuri, which is elaborately decorated to perform the royal wedding. The Rambarat (marriage procession) starts from Lala Channomaiji Id Baradari for Janakpuri passing through different parts of the town. The barat is a large procession of Jhankis followed by the swaroops of Ram-Lakshman mounted on elephants.

Janamashtami

Janmashtami is a festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated in its highest form in Mathura and Brindavan in Uttar Pradesh. On Janmashtami, the Mathura and the Brindavan in Uttar Pradesh rejoices with the commemoration of the lord of the universe, Lord Krishna. He took his birth in Mathura on the very day on which we celebrate the Janmashtami. Brindavan was the place where he spent his younger days with the gopis. This is the place where he used to be with Radhika. Till now the people of these two places are unbelievable admirers of the age-old hero. They celebrate Janmashtami or his birthday with unending enthusiasm and happiness.

Kailash Fair

Kailash fair, Agra in Uttar Pradesh is a colorful carnival. India is a land of fairs and festivals which are always celebrated with a huge enthusiasm. A visit to Kailash fair, Agra will give you the scope of witnessing one of the biggest and most popular festivals in India. The Kailash fair is held at Kailash which lies at a distance of hardly 12 kilometers from Agra. The Kailash fair, Agra is known to be celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. As the legend goes, Lord Shiva himself came to this sacred place in the disguise of a stone lingam. This has an immense value to the devotees who firmly believe in such legends. They think that the Lord is always there in the lingam and are listening to all of their prayers. You will be astonished to know that there are thousands of them who gather here with the belief that all their wishes will be fulfilled in the Kailash fair of Agra.

The whole thing together makes the Kailash fair, Agra a spectacular event. Not only the temples but all the streets are decorated often with colorful papers. Numerous temporary shops are set which sell toys, foods, sweets, ornaments and many more things. The Kailash fair in Agra is celebrated every year in the months of August and September. So next year make it a point to witness the great fair.

Bateshwar Fair

Situated at a distance of 70 km. from Agra on the banks of river Yamuna, Bateshwar is an important spiritual and cultural centre. The place is named after the presiding deity of the region, Bateshwar Mahadeo and has 108 temples dedicated to the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. During the months of Oct. & Nov. a large fair is organized from Shashthi of Kartik month to Panchami of Agrahayan month. Devotees congregate here in large numbers to worship Lord Shiva and take holy dips in river Yamuna. A Livestock fair is also organized and owners and buyers conduct serious business combined with the gaiety of a market place.

Ramnavami Mela

Ramnavami Mela, Ayodhya marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. It is usually celebrated in the month of Chaitra according to the Indian calender which generally corresponds to the March or April of the English calendar.

Ramnavami Mela, Ayodhya is the testimonial of love, faith and devotion of the people in the state for their great hero Ramchandra, the central character of the Indian epic Ramayana. The Ramnavami Mela, Ayodhya is dedicated to Lord Rama.

Kartik Poornima

Varanasi is the land of festivals. Kartik Poornima celebrated in the month of November, is the sacred day, when the ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of brightly lit earthen lamps. Visitors throng in large numbers to watch this spectacular event, famous as Dev Deepawali. Lolark Shasthi, Dala Chhath, Rang Bhari Ekadasi, Burhwa Mangal and Annakut are among the other important festive occasions for Varanasi.

Kumbh Mela

The month long Kumbh Mela of Allahabad is one of the largest fairs of the world and is attended by millions of pilgrims from all over India as well as the devout from the world over. Maha Kumbh is held after a gap of twelve years where as Ardha Kumbh is held in the Sixth year after Maha Kumbh, in the months of January-February, on the banks of the holy confluence (Sangam) of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The Kumbh Mela is generally held every three years in rotation at Allahabad, Hardwar, Ujjain and Nasik. The period of Kumbh Mela is Magh (Jan-Feb) month of Hindu calendar.

Traditional Dresses of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is mostly a state of two sects- Hindus and Muslims. The traditional costume of the Women of Uttar Pradesh is a sari and a blouse or salwar kameez. The men opt for dhoti kurta or kurta pyjama. They also wear pagri or topi on their heads. On more festive occasions, men go for sherwani- which is an embroidered kurta with churidars. Women wear lehenga choli on formal occasions which is an embroidered long skirt with a blouse and a long scarf known as odhani. This is the unique costume of the women of Uttar Pradesh. They also adorn themselves in accessories including gold chains, necklaces, rings, bangles, trinkets, tiaras and anklets etc.

Food of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a home to a variety of cuisines, most famous of which are Awadhi cuisines and Mughal cuisines, very popular in Lucknow. The delicious food is supposed to be a hereditary of the ruling Mughals. The most sought-after dishes include – dum biryani, dum Gosht and Nahari, which is slow cooked overnight and sealed in large pots. In the northern Uttar Pradesh, which includes Meerut, Moradabad, Mathura etc. ? the staple food includes kachori, Aloo curry and the very regular dal, roti and rice. Petha is a very famous sweet dish available in the state and owes its authenticity to the city of Agra. Among the drinks, people prefer lassi, chaas and roohafza.,

Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India that is home to a rich and diverse culture. The state’s art and culture are a reflection of its people’s history, traditions, and beliefs.

Architecture

Uttar Pradesh is home to some of the most impressive architectural monuments in India. The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in the city of Agra. The Red Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the capital city of Lucknow. These and other monuments are testament to the state’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Dance

Uttar Pradesh is also home to a number of traditional dance forms. Kathak is one of the most popular dance forms in the state. It is a classical dance form that is characterized by its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive facial expressions. Other popular dance forms include Bhangra, Garba, and Dandiya. These dances are often performed during festivals and other special occasions.

Folk music

Uttar Pradesh is also home to a rich tradition of folk music. Some of the most popular folk songs in the state are about love, loss, and the beauty of nature. Folk music is often performed at weddings, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Literature

Uttar Pradesh has also produced a number of renowned writers and poets. Some of the most famous writers from the state include Premchand, Munshi Premchand, and Harivansh Rai Bachchan. These writers have written about a variety of topics, including social issues, politics, and love.

Music

Uttar Pradesh is also home to a rich tradition of music. Some of the most popular musical genres in the state include Qawwali, Ghazal, and Thumri. These genres are often performed at weddings, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Painting

Uttar Pradesh is also home to a rich tradition of painting. Some of the most famous painters from the state include Raja Ravi Varma, M.F. Husain, and Amrita Sher-Gil. These painters have created a variety of works of art, including landscapes, portraits, and still lifes.

Sculpture

Uttar Pradesh is also home to a rich tradition of sculpture. Some of the most famous sculptures from the state include the Sarnath Buddha, the Mathura School of Sculpture, and the Khajuraho Temples. These sculptures are a testament to the state’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Theatre

Uttar Pradesh is also home to a rich tradition of theatre. Some of the most famous playwrights from the state include Mohan Rakesh, Vijay Tendulkar, and Girish Karnad. These playwrights have written about a variety of topics, including social issues, politics, and love.

The art and culture of Uttar Pradesh are a reflection of its people’s history, traditions, and beliefs. The state’s rich cultural heritage is a source of pride for its people and a draw for visitors from all over the world.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about art and culture:

What is art?
Art is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of human activities and creations, including painting, sculpture, music, dance, literature, and architecture. Art can be used to express emotions, tell stories, or simply create something beautiful.
What is culture?
Culture is the shared values, beliefs, and practices of a group of people. It includes everything from language and religion to food and music. Culture can be passed down from generation to generation, and it can also be influenced by outside factors such as geography and history.
What are the different types of art?
There are many different types of art, but some of the most common include:
Painting: The creation of images on a surface using pigments.
Sculpture: The creation of three-dimensional objects from materials such as stone, wood, or Metal.
Music: The art of combining sounds to create pleasing or expressive effects.
Dance: The art of rhythmic movement of the body, usually to music.
Literature: The art of writing, including novels, poems, and plays.
Architecture: The art and science of designing and building structures.
What are the different types of culture?
There are many different types of culture, but some of the most common include:
Popular culture: The culture of the general Population, as opposed to high culture.
Folk culture: The traditional culture of a particular group of people, often passed down orally.
National culture: The culture of a particular country or nation.
Regional culture: The culture of a particular region or area.
Religious culture: The culture of a particular religion or religious group.
What are the benefits of art?
There are many benefits of art, including:
It can be used to express emotions.
It can be used to tell stories.
It can be used to create something beautiful.
It can be used to promote understanding and Tolerance.
It can be used to improve cognitive function.
It can be used to reduce Stress and anxiety.
It can be used to improve physical Health.
What are the benefits of culture?
There are many benefits of culture, including:
It can provide a sense of identity and belonging.
It can help people connect with others.
It can promote understanding and tolerance.
It can provide a sense of community.
It can help people learn about different cultures.
It can help people appreciate the arts.
It can help people develop their creativity.
It can help people learn about history and the past.
What are the challenges of art?
Some of the challenges of art include:
It can be difficult to define what art is.
It can be difficult to evaluate art.
Art can be controversial.
Art can be expensive.
Art can be difficult to access.
Art can be difficult to preserve.
What are the challenges of culture?
Some of the challenges of culture include:
Culture can be difficult to define.
Culture can be difficult to study.
Culture can be difficult to preserve.
Culture can be difficult to promote.
Culture can be difficult to protect.
Culture can be difficult to adapt to change.

Sure, here are some MCQs about art and culture in general:

Which of the following is not a type of art?
(A) Painting
(B) Sculpture
(C) Music
(D) Literature
Which of the following is not a type of culture?
(A) Religion
(B) Language
(C) Food
(D) Art
Which of the following is not a famous Indian artist?
(A) M.F. Husain
(B) Raja Ravi Varma
(C) Amrita Sher-Gil
(D) Pablo Picasso
Which of the following is not a famous Indian musician?
(A) Ravi Shankar
(B) Ali Akbar Khan
(C) Zakir Hussain
(D) The Beatles
Which of the following is not a famous Indian writer?
(A) Rabindranath Tagore
(B) Premchand
(C) Khushwant Singh
(D) J.K. Rowling
Which of the following is not a famous Indian festival?
(A) Diwali
(B) Holi
(C) Christmas
(D) Eid
Which of the following is not a famous Indian dance form?
(A) Bharatanatyam
(B) Kathak
(C) Kuchipudi
(D) Salsa
Which of the following is not a famous Indian cuisine?
(A) Punjabi cuisine
(B) Bengali cuisine
(C) South Indian cuisine
(D) Italian cuisine
Which of the following is not a famous Indian monument?
(A) Taj Mahal
(B) Red Fort
(C) Qutub Minar
(D) Eiffel Tower
Which of the following is not a famous Indian animal?
(A) Tiger
(B) Elephant
(C) Lion
(D) Giraffe

I hope these questions were helpful!