Marking the beginning of the three-day celebrations of Uttar Pradesh Diwas 2026 from January 24 to January 26, the cultural spirit of Uttar Pradesh found expression not only across the state but also pan-India and in several parts of the world.
On the first day itself, UP Diwas was commemorated at multiple international and national locations, reflecting the deep cultural connect of the Uttar Pradesh diaspora and the growing global interest in the state’s heritage, traditions and contemporary journey.
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On January 24, Uttar Pradesh went global with celebrations held in countries including the Maldives, Germany, South Africa, Russia, Mongolia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, where members of the Uttar Pradesh diaspora, along with local communities, came together to celebrate the state’s cultural legacy.
Through exhibitions, cultural performances, screenings and interactions, the celebrations highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s historical heritage, artistic traditions and evolving identity, instilling a sense of pride among Indian communities abroad.
Indian Missions and Consulates in Osaka, Kobe in Japan, Saint Denis in France, DR Congo, Jaffna in Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Lithuania (Europe) also extended greetings and messages on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Diwas, highlighting the international goodwill associated with the state.
Embassy-level engagements included cultural programmes and curated presentations. The Embassy of India in Russia organised an event highlighting the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh, while the Embassy of India in Berlin and the Tagore Centre celebrated the state’s rich traditions, iconic destinations and vibrant art forms, presenting Uttar Pradesh as a confluence of tradition and progress.
Similar engagements were reported from Mongolia, Singapore, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Saint Denis, DR Congo and Jaffna, as documented through official mission communications and outreach initiatives. On the occasion to build wider connect, a video message from CM Yogi Adityanath was also showcased.
Simultaneously, Uttar Pradesh Diwas was celebrated across several Indian states on the first day, with programmes organised under the guidance of senior leaders and representatives of Uttar Pradesh.
Celebrations were held in Delhi, Telangana, Gujarat, Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu and Goa. In addition, commemorative programmes took place at the Lieutenant Governor’s Office in Delhi, as well as in Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab, among other locations, reflecting nationwide participation and solidarity with the state’s foundation day.
Within Uttar Pradesh, the celebrations penetrated to the district level from the very first day. On January 24, programmes were organised in nearly 30 districts, including Siddharthnagar, Bhadohi, Hathras, Etah, Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Kannauj, Auraiya, Bahraich, Sambhal, Shravasti, Kanpur, Kushinagar, Bijnor, Etawah, Chitrakoot, Ghazipur and Gonda, among others.
These district-level events focused on local culture, folk traditions, social initiatives and developmental achievements, with further celebrations scheduled over the next two days as part of the three-day observance of Uttar Pradesh Diwas 2026 .
The main state-level programme on January 24 was held at Rashtra Prerna Sthal in the state capital Lucknow, graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, senior dignitaries and state leadership. The event showcased Uttar Pradesh’s cultural richness, development journey and future aspirations, setting the tone for the celebrations across the state and beyond.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that the widespread observance of Uttar Pradesh Diwas on the very first day reflects the emotional connect that people of Uttar Pradesh share with their roots, irrespective of where they are based. He said that from district headquarters to global cities, the celebrations underline Uttar Pradesh’s identity as a state that draws strength from its heritage while confidently presenting its progress to the world.
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs Amrit Abhijat said that as envisioned by state leadership, participation of Indian Missions and embassies in facilitating UP Diwas celebrations has played an important role in strengthening cultural exchange and global engagement.
He expressed appreciation to the Indian Missions abroad for their active support, noting that such platforms help deepen people-to-people ties, promote cultural understanding and showcase Uttar Pradesh’s heritage, crafts, cuisine and tourism potential to international audiences.
With celebrations continuing through January 26 across districts, states and international locations, Uttar Pradesh Diwas 2026 is being observed as a collective expression of pride, cultural continuity and shared identity, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s place on the national and global cultural map.