Uttar Pradesh is set to celebrate its foundation day, 'UP Diwas', on a monumental and international scale this year. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, reviewing preparations on Thursday, declared that the three-day festivities from January 24 to 26 will transcend state boundaries, projecting the state's rich cultural heritage and developmental achievements to a global audience.
A Grand Vision for a Global Stage
The Chief Minister emphasized that UP Diwas should evolve beyond a ceremonial event into a dignified global platform. "UP Diwas is not merely a formal celebration. It must become a dignified global platform to present Uttar Pradesh's cultural heritage, historical legacy, economic strength and development journey," stated Adityanath. He stressed the need for innovative, well-organized events with extensive public participation to make the celebrations memorable and inspirational.
The main state-level function will be held at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow. In a significant move to ensure wide reach, parallel events have been mandated at all district headquarters across UP, at Raj Bhavans (Governor's houses) throughout India, and at Indian embassies overseas. This structure aims to reconnect the vast Uttar Pradesh diaspora with their roots, serving as a cultural bridge.
Celebrating Heritage and Honouring Achievers
The celebrations will be a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and recognition. A key focus will be on bringing the state's ideological legacy to life through theatrical productions depicting iconic figures and movements. These will include tributes to Birsa Munda, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Punyashloka Ahilyabai Holkar, alongside themes from Vande Mataram and Anand Math. The Bhartendu Natya Academy will stage a special production marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Cultural competitions in singing, dance, instrumental music, and theatre will be organized at district, divisional, and state levels. The state will also honour its outstanding citizens by conferring prestigious awards like the 'Uttar Pradesh Gaurav', Vishwakarma Shram Samman, and Mati Kala Board awards on entrepreneurs, farmers, sportspersons, scientists, doctors, and women achievers.
Technology, Youth, and Public Festivity
Embracing modernity, the events will leverage technology to showcase culture through 3D and fibre models, virtual reality experiences, 360-degree tours, short films, quizzes, and photo exhibitions. Youth participation is a priority, with students from Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya presenting dance-dramas on themes like ‘Viksit Uttar Pradesh-Viksit Bharat’. Renowned music gharanas from Agra, Kirana, Banaras, Hariharpur, Lucknow, Rampur, and Badaun will give special performances.
To truly give UP Diwas the character of a people's festival, a range of community-driven activities are planned. These include open mic sessions, street plays, puppet theatre, rangoli, traditional attire competitions, culinary contests, and art villages. Special films showcasing each district's development journey will be screened at local events.
Chief Minister Adityanath directed that state ministers participate in programmes at Raj Bhavans to interact with people from UP residing outside the state, with similar outreach through embassies abroad. He instructed that all programmes must be time-bound, coordinated, and of the highest quality, envisioning that UP Diwas-2026 will stand as a powerful symbol of the state's identity, pride, and progress.
