The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the grand ‘Sanskriti Utsava’, a cultural extravaganza scheduled from January 2 to January 26, 2025. Organized as part of the Uttar Pradesh Diwas celebrations, this event aims to promote emerging talent in classical, semi-classical, and folk arts while showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Event Theme and Objectives

The festival is themed ‘Uttar Pradesh Parv – Hamari Sanskriti-Hamari Pehchaan’, which translates to “Our Culture, Our Identity.” It seeks to:

• Celebrate Uttar Pradesh’s legacy and achievements since its formation.
• Provide a platform for budding artists to exhibit their talents in various traditional and modern art forms.
• Foster appreciation and awareness of the state’s diverse cultural heritage.

Competition Details and Structure

Competitions during the Sanskriti Utsava will be held at multiple levels, from block and tehsil to district, divisional, and state headquarters. These contests will run from January 2 to January 24, 2025, and will include:

• Classical Arts: Competitions in Hindustani music forms like Khayal and Dhrupad.
• Semi-Classical Arts: Performances featuring Thumri, Dadra, and allied genres.
• Folk Music: Showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s vibrant traditions like Kajri and Qawwali.
• Light Music: Geet, Ghazals, and patriotic songs will also take center stage.

Winners from preliminary rounds will compete in the grand finale held on January 24, 2025, a day before the state’s foundation day celebration.

Uttar Pradesh Diwas: A Celebration of Statehood

Uttar Pradesh Diwas, celebrated on January 24, marks the renaming of the United Provinces to Uttar Pradesh in 1950. Key facts about this day include:

• The concept of celebrating Uttar Pradesh Day annually was introduced by former Governor Ram Naik in 2017.
• The first official Uttar Pradesh Day was celebrated in 2018, evolving into a multi-day event.
• The day reflects the state’s rich history, cultural diversity, and contributions to India’s progress.

Spotlight on Art Forms

The Sanskriti Utsava will showcase both the cultural depth and artistic brilliance of Uttar Pradesh:

• Khayal: A Hindustani classical form, Khayal emphasizes improvisation and expressive singing, offering performers creative freedom.
• Dhrupad: Known for its meditative and spiritual quality, this is one of the oldest forms of Indian classical music.
• Folk Genres: Regional art forms like Kajri and Qawwali represent the soul of Uttar Pradesh, celebrated for their lively and evocative performances.
• Light Music: Ghazals and patriotic songs add a contemporary flavor, making the event appealing to a wider audience.

Expansion of the Festival

The Sanskriti Utsava reflects the government’s broader cultural vision:

• Promoting Talent: By encouraging participation across age groups, the event nurtures future custodians of India’s cultural heritage.
• Reviving Traditions: By focusing on fading art forms, the festival supports their preservation and revival.
• Global Outreach: Efforts to digitally broadcast the event will help connect Uttar Pradesh’s culture with a global audience, further cementing its identity as a hub of art and creativity.

Future Plans and Significance

The Uttar Pradesh government envisions Sanskriti Utsava as a catalyst for cultural resurgence:

• Economic Growth: By promoting cultural tourism, the festival is expected to boost local economies.
• Educational Impact: Schools and colleges across the state will participate, integrating cultural awareness into the educational framework.
• Inspiration for Artists: The event provides visibility and recognition for grassroots-level talent, inspiring future generations to take pride in their heritage.

Conclusion

The Sanskriti Utsava is more than just a festival; it is a tribute to Uttar Pradesh’s legacy, a showcase of its artistic brilliance, and a platform for emerging talent. By celebrating its cultural roots while embracing modernity, the state is taking a significant step toward preserving its identity and inspiring future generations. With its rich blend of tradition, talent, and innovation, the festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Uttar Pradesh’s enduring cultural spirit.