April 2, 2025: Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, takes a significant leap towards global recognition as India nominates it for UNESCO’s Creative City of Gastronomy. Celebrated for its sumptuous Awadhi cuisine, from succulent kebabs to aromatic biryanis, Lucknow’s rich culinary traditions continue to captivate food lovers worldwide. This nomination underscores the city’s deep-rooted gastronomic heritage and its commitment to preserving and promoting its unique flavors on the world stage.
Strengthening Heritage and Tourism in Uttar Pradesh
In a landmark agreement, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department signed a Concession Agreement with the Consortium of Golden Triangle Fort & Palace Pvt. Ltd. for the adaptive reuse of Chattar Manzil (Lucknow), Chunar Fort (Mirzapur), and Kothi Roshan-ud-Daula (Lucknow). Led by Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Mr. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, and Director, U.P. Tourism, Prakhar Misra, the initiative aims to restore these architectural gems while boosting heritage tourism.
Additionally, a strategic partnership with Redwood Holding, Reality Service Private Limited (Bengaluru), and Neemrana Hotels Private Limited (Rajasthan) is set to transform Barua Sagar Fort in Jhansi into a heritage hotel and Baradari in Kanpur Dehat into a premier wedding destination. These developments promise to enhance the state’s appeal as a cultural and historical hub.
Mahakumbh 2025: A Global Spiritual Phenomenon
Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has shattered multiple Guinness World Records, further cementing its status as the largest spiritual gathering in the world. Over 670 million devotees participated, marking an unprecedented turnout. Among the record-breaking feats were:
Longest Hand-Print Painting: A massive 80-foot-long painting created by over 10,000 participants.
Largest Mass Sanitation Drive: A synchronized cleanliness initiative involving 15,000 sanitation workers across 10 kilometers of festival grounds.
In recognition of his instrumental role in the success of the International Festival of Films on Religion and Spiritualism (IFFRS 2025), Mr. Mukesh Kumar Meshram was honored with a memento by Ms. Ketki Kapadia, Head of the Organizing Team. The festival attracted renowned filmmakers and engaged over 600 students, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s dedication to cultural and spiritual tourism.
Showcasing Uttar Pradesh on the Global Stage
Uttar Pradesh Tourism marked a significant presence at international travel and tourism exhibitions, including ITB Berlin 2025 and MITT Moscow 2025. At these events, the state’s rich heritage, spiritual circuits, and diverse travel experiences were showcased to a global audience.
A strategic meeting with a Laotian travel delegation also explored opportunities to promote Buddhist tourism in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Varanasi, Kushinagar, and Sarnath. Similarly, a high-level discussion in Shravasti district emphasized the development of the Buddhist Circuit under the Iconic Destination Scheme, strengthening India’s position as a premier destination for spiritual tourism.
Cultural Festivities: A Vibrant Display of Uttar Pradesh’s Rich Traditions
The much-awaited Rangotsav 2025 brought Uttar Pradesh alive with its vibrant Holi celebrations. Highlights included:
Phoolwali Holi in Mathura: A mesmerizing floral celebration at Raman Reti, Gokul.
Lathmar Holi in Barsana: The legendary festival where women playfully beat men with sticks, reenacting the age-old tradition associated with Lord Krishna.
Dauji Ka Huranga in Mathura: A spectacular color festivity honoring Lord Balarama.
Holika Dahan in Phalain: A breathtaking fire-walking ritual demonstrating faith and tradition.
Meanwhile, Shamli Mahotsav 2025 debuted in western Uttar Pradesh, blending culture, agriculture, and heritage, while the Miss Universe Uttar Pradesh 2025 event celebrated beauty and confidence, further highlighting the state’s cultural vibrancy.
Strengthening International Ties through Cultural Engagements
A South Korean delegation, including representatives from the Garak dynasty, paid tribute at Queen Ho Memorial Park in Ayodhya, reinforcing Indo-Korean historical ties. The India-Japan digital summit on Mahakumbh 2025, inaugurated by Ambassador H.E. Mr. Sibi George, showcased the grandeur of the festival and explored avenues for cultural collaborations.
A New Era for Uttar Pradesh Tourism
With significant investments in heritage restoration, global tourism promotion, and vibrant cultural festivities, Uttar Pradesh continues establishing itself as a premier travel destination. From the gastronomic heritage of Lucknow to the spiritual magnificence of Mahakumbh, the state is paving the way for an era of renewed cultural prosperity and international recognition.