The glorious traditions and mythological legacy of this shining city are virtually unrivalled. It offers a breathtaking experience to every visitor. A morning at the Ganga ghat is a memorable experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganga, the high banks, the temples and shrines, soul steering hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air, a refreshing dip in the holy water and a rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and literature… truly this is the city where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss.
Ganga Mahotsav
Ganga Mahotsav the only festival of its kind. It adds to the attraction of this city of temples, Ghats and traditions.
As classical music fills the atmosphere, a mystique seems to envelop the environs creating a mood both celestial and soulful. The classical music rendered by maestros indeed imparts an unforgettable flavour. The attraction of the five-day-long Ganga Mahotsav is its message of faith and culture, which is enhanced by the daily Shilp Mela and the unique Dev Deepawali. Innumerable ‘Diyas’ or earthen lamps in chain, lit by devotees float down the river on the full moon night of Kartik, creating a spectacle both mystical and heart warning.
Boudh Mahotsav
One of the greatest spiritual teachers of mankind which India has produced is undoubtedly, Buddha. Edwin Arnold has fittingly called him the "Light of Asia". Buddha's message has travelled far and wide and captured the hearts and minds of billions of people outside India also.
This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha with traditional religious fervour. A large fair is held at Sarnath and the relics of Buddha are taken out for public display in a procession on this day in the month of May. The beauty of this event is amplified by millions of earthen lamps or "Diyas" placed in a pattern in Mulgandh Kuti Vihar.
Kajari Mahotsav (Mirzapur)
It is among the famous festivals of Mirzapur. King Kantit Naresh's daughter Kajari was born here. She loved her husband very much and sang songs in the moment of separation from her husband, although she could not meet her husband throughout her life and died, yet she remains alive through these deep sad-love songs. Her voice and songs impress Mirzapur locals very much, so they remember her through this festival paying homage to her.
Kajari, derived from the Hindi word Kajra, or Kohl, is a genre of Hindustani classical music singing, popular in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is often used to describe the hanging in the summer skies, and the style is notably sung during the rainy season.
It comes in the series of season songs, like Chaiti, Hori and Sawani, and is traditionally sung in the villages and towns of Uttar Pradesh: around Banaras, Mirzapur, Mathura, Allahabad and the Bhojpur regions of Bihar.
UP Tourism along with District Administration organizes a two day cultural programme at Govt. Inter College in Mirzapur as a tribute to this exclusive musical art form of Mirzapur in the month of August or Akshay Tritiya of Bhado Month of Indian Calendar.
Ganga Water Rally (Allahabad-Mirzapur-Chunar-Varanasi)
Exploring scenic beauty along with the river Ganga with historical ghats on its bank, Ganga water rally is among top destinations for adventure tourism in India. It is an event of complete adventure and fun. The Boat Club Allahabad patronizes this event and the participants coming from all the corners of India and abroad use kayaks, canoes or row boats in this nomadic sport. Occurring in the month of November Ganga Water Rally is the first major water sporting events of its kind in the state. Here, the adventurous persons would be taken on a nerve rattling sojourn down the Ganga from Allahabad to Varanasi through Mirzapur and Chunar.
Festival Calendar
Festivals/Events |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
Ganga Mahotsav |
24-27 Nov |
13-16 Nov |
3-5 Nov |
22-24 Nov |
Dev Deepawali |
28 Nov |
17 Nov |
6 Nov |
25 Nov |
Dhrupad Mela |
18-20 Feb |
8-10 Mar |
26-28 Feb |
15-17 Feb |
Budhh Poornima |
6 May |
25 May |
14 May |
4 May |
Ramleela Ram Nagar |
29 Sep-29 Oct |
18 Sep-18 Oct |
8 Sep-8 Oct |
27 Sep-27 Oct |
Sankat Mochan Music Festival |
10-14 Apr |
29 Apr-3 May |
19-23 Apr |
8-12 Apr |
Nag Nathaiya |
17 Nov |
7 Nov |
27 Oct |
15 Nov |