Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is all set to celebrate UP Diwas 2026 in a grand, cultural, and people-centric manner from January 24 to January 26, 2026. This year, the state’s Foundation Day will be observed as a three-day public festival, showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s rich culture, traditional crafts, local cuisine, and development journey on a single platform.
Theme of UP Diwas 2026: ‘Developed India – Developed Uttar Pradesh’
The official theme for UP Diwas 2026 is ‘Developed India – Developed Uttar Pradesh’. The celebrations aim to highlight the state’s role in India’s growth story while reflecting its cultural roots and future vision.
Amit Shah to Inaugurate Main Event in Lucknow
The main state-level ceremony will be held at the newly developed Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate UP Diwas 2026 on January 24.
Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, state ministers, public representatives, and other distinguished guests will attend the event.
CM Yogi Reviews Preparations, Calls It a ‘Public Festival’
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations and emphasized that UP Diwas 2026 should not remain just a government event, but a people’s celebration (Janotsav). He instructed officials to ensure participation from every district and complete all arrangements with discipline, dignity, and timely execution.
Celebrations Across Uttar Pradesh with Live Telecast
The main ceremony in Lucknow will be telecast live across all districts of Uttar Pradesh through Doordarshan, enabling people across the state to celebrate UP Diwas together. District-level cultural and development-related programs will also be organized simultaneously. Officials have been instructed to ensure public participation and involvement of elected representatives at all venues.
UP Diwas 2026 to Be Celebrated Abroad
UP Diwas 2026 will also be celebrated internationally with the support of Indian embassies in Fiji, Mauritius, Maldives, Singapore, and Thailand. These events will honor Non-Resident Uttar Pradesh citizens and promote the state’s culture, tourism, and investment opportunities. Souvenirs will be provided by the MSME and Tourism Departments.
‘One District, One Cuisine’ to Be the Biggest Attraction
The highlight of UP Diwas 2026 will be the ‘One District, One Cuisine’ (ODOC) initiative. Under this concept, traditional and popular dishes from all districts of Uttar Pradesh will be available at one venue. From kachori-sabzi and kebabs to sweets and regional delicacies, visitors will get a taste of the state’s diverse food culture.
Cultural Festival and Handicraft Fair
A special exhibition and craft fair will be organized based on the theme ‘Developed India – Developed Uttar Pradesh’. It will showcase Uttar Pradesh’s progress in infrastructure, industry, agriculture, women empowerment, innovation, and self-reliance. Cultural performances featuring folk, classical, and contemporary art forms will also be held.
The Chief Minister directed that programs under Culture Festival 2025-26 be linked with UP Diwas and that artists and visitors be provided better facilities.
ODOP and GI-Tagged Products on Display
Under the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme, handicrafts and locally made products will be displayed and sold. GI-tagged products will be showcased in a trade-show format, giving artisans and entrepreneurs a platform to reach wider markets. Products under the One District, One Cuisine initiative will also be promoted and sold.
Special Exhibitions on Mission Shakti and 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’
Special exhibitions will be organized to mark Mission Shakti, innovation initiatives, and the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’. Individuals and groups making outstanding contributions in fields such as education, literature, agriculture, women empowerment, culture, sports, rural development, tourism, labor, and social welfare will be honored.
Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2025–26 to Be Awarded
During the ceremony, the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2025–26 will be presented to five eminent personalities for exceptional contributions in education, literature, agriculture, women empowerment, and space science. Districts performing well under the Chief Minister Youth Entrepreneur Development Campaign will also be awarded.
Global Platform for Uttar Pradesh’s Culture and Development Vision
With celebrations planned in India and abroad, UP Diwas 2026 is set to take Uttar Pradesh’s cultural identity, development vision, and investment potential to the global stage. The Tourism, Art, and Culture Department, in coordination with the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), has completed all preparations as per the Chief Minister’s instructions.
