Press Information Bureau

Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day

A celebration of where Heritage meets Progress

January 23, 2024

Uttar Pradesh, the heart of India, celebrates its foundation day on January 24th, 2024. This vibrant state, cradled by sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Saryu has been blessed with rich historical, cultural, and modern dynamism.

[1]Uttar Pradesh has been a land of pilgrimage for millions with civilizational cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, and Sarnath.

Heritage and Legacy[2]

Uttar Pradesh is a land steeped in history and culture, offering a spectrum of experiences to visitors.

• Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges River, is one of the holiest cities and is full of temples, ashrams, and ghats (bathing steps). Some of the must-see attractions in Varanasi include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples in India, the Dasaswamedh Ghat, the busiest ghat in Varanasi, and Sarnath, a former Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. With the recent development of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, the facilities for the pilgrims have improved manifold.
• Other popular tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh include Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, Kushinagar, the place where Buddha attained Parinirvana (final liberation), Mathura and Vrindavan, two towns associated with Lord Krishna, and Kanpur, the industrial capital of Uttar Pradesh.
• With the new Temple of Lord Ram at Ayodhya, a strong wave of tourism and economic development is set to take off.
• The Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra is also home to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted Mughal city. Other tourist attractions include the Rumi Gate, Bara Imambara, one of the largest Imambaras in India in Lucknow.

Art and Culture[3]

From the stirring hymns of ancient sages to the rhythmic clangs of metalware workshops, Uttar Pradesh has been a collage of tradition and innovation. Music and dance take center stage, with renowned maestros like Ustad Bismillah Khan and Begum Akhtar have graced these lands, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate through generations. Kathak, the mesmerizing dance form, finds its roots here, its intricate footwork and captivating expressions telling stories that transcend time. Beyond the classical realm, folk traditions like Ramlila and Raslila paint their own vibrant narratives, celebrating epic tales and divine love.

Uttar Pradesh boasts of a diverse and rich treasure-chest of crafts like Chikan embroidery of Lucknow to the Zardozi work of Varanasi  that shimmers with opulent beauty. Craftsmanship flourishes throughout the state, from the gleaming copperware of Moradabad to the glazed pottery of Khurja. Carpets woven with meticulous care, terracotta horses embellished with ornate details, and exquisite ivory carvings – every object speaks of a cultural heritage fiercely preserved.

A Journey Through the Vibrant Festivals of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh also encompass a diverse and vibrant spectrum of fairs and festivals. From the dazzling lights of Deepotsav in Ayodhya, where millions of diyas illuminate the sacred city, to the pulsating beats of Rangotsav in Mathura, where people paint the town with joyous abandon, Uttar Pradesh's festivals are a kaleidoscope of sensory experiences.[4]

In March, Taj Mahal takes center stage during the Taj Mahotsav, a ten-day extravaganza showcasing the city's exquisite art, crafts, and culinary delights. Meanwhile, Varanasi's Ganga Mahotsav in November bathes the holy Ganges in a symphony of light and sound, with captivating cultural performances and sacred rituals enthralling devotees.

These are just a glimpse into the many vibrant festivals that paint Uttar Pradesh in a myriad of colors. So, if you're seeking an immersive experience into the heart and soul of India, come join the revelry in Uttar Pradesh – a land where every season brings a new reason to celebrate!

 

A Pivotal Force in Modern India

Uttar Pradesh has a robust infrastructure network. Its vibrant educational institutions and a burgeoning industrial and IT sector showcase the state's commitment to development.

The State has improved in the Ease of Doing Business Rankings and holds the second position in the country. During the Global Investors Summit held in Lucknow in 2023, commitments to the tune of lakhs of crores to invest in Uttar Pradesh were received. [5]

The progress of Start Up India in Uttar Pradesh is also impressive with the state being host to around 10000 Start Ups with women making a great contribution.

Exports from the State have also grown significantly over the last few years.

More than 4 Crore Ayushman health cards have been created in UP as on 22 January 2024. This is a step towards accessible healthcare for all. [6]

More than 2 Crore households in UP have access to tap water connections.  [7]

PM Mitra Park in Lucknow and Hardoi will help generate employment opportunities for the skilled manpower of Uttar Pradesh.  [8]

More than 34 Lakh houses have been sanctioned under PM Awas Yojna in remote locations to ensure inclusive development. [9]

By harnessing its rich heritage, cultural vibrancy, and modern advancements, Uttar Pradesh is paving the way for a prosperous and fulfilling future for its people and the nation as a whole.

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NR/HP/RK/MI

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