Lucknow, often called the "City of Nawabs," is a city rich in culture, history, and traditions. The Lucknow Mahotsav, an annual festival organised by UP Tourism and the Lucknow District Administration, celebrates this heritage in grand style. With the theme "Shaan-e-Awadh, Jashn-e-Lucknow," the festival showcases the city’s vibrant culture, from Awadhi performances like Kathak dance and Qawwali music to literary gatherings such as Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan. The event is a blend of art, music, and poetry that highlights Lucknow’s cultural essence.
The Mahotsav also features exhibitions of traditional crafts, including Chikankari and Zardozi embroidery, and offers a culinary journey through Awadhi dishes like Kebabs and Biryani. Competitions and games, including kite flying and archery, add to the fun. Drawing thousands of visitors each year, this festival promotes local artisans and businesses, while boosting tourism and showcasing the city's unique Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (Hindu-Muslim cultural fusion).
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History of Lucknow Mahotsav 2024
It was between 1975 and 1976 when an event called Tourism Year was organised in South Asia. On this occasion, a unanimous decision was taken to promote Lucknow’s cultural heritage. Thus, the Lucknow Festival or Lucknow Mahotsav was born. If an exception of a few years is not taken into consideration then, Lucknow Mahotsav has always been celebrated annually without a miss.
Major Attractions of Lucknow Mahotsav 2024
Lucknow Mahotsav is adorned with a variety of performances by artists of different genres. Singers, poets, shayars and others grace the stage with their brilliant performances. Along with this, national as well as state awardees and craftsmen also come up with their stalls and kiosks, free of cost, in the crafts fair. Let’s discuss what are the major highlights of Lucknow Mahotsav.
Entry tickets for Lucknow Mahotsav can be bought for Rs.20. For seasonal tickets, the people will have to shell out Rs.100. For senior citizens and children below five years of age, the entry is free. Apart from this, free Wi-Fi services are also made available on the premises.
1. Sitar and Sarangi Recitals. During this charming cultural fest, one gets to enjoy the musical night while listening to soulful music from India's famous sitar and sarangi maestros.
2. Ghazal Performances. If you love to peek into the soulful ambience, then listening to ghazals can be your musical salvation. The Lucknow Mahotsav invites some of the brilliant and talented Ghazal singers of India to grace the stage.
3. Qawali Nights. Qawwalis is an ultimate form of music that lets you feel the divinity and introduces you to new heights and scales of bliss. The famous walls will cheer you up with their happening and peppy qawwali sessions.
4. Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira. If you love poems and shayaris, then Lucknow Mahotsav is an ideal place to be at. One can enjoy fun and light moments during the amazing performances by the poets.
5. Classical Dance Performances. Witness the beautiful shows where famous classical dancers can be seen performing on their fortes such as Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and many other Indian dance forms.
6. Food Fiesta. Try not to miss the delicious lip-smacking treats of Nawabi food. Lucknow Mahotsav offers a huge assortment of delicious dishes from a few cooking styles including Kebabs, Paranthas, Non-veggie lover luxuries, and Kesaria Doodh (Milk).
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How to Reach Lucknow Mahotsav 2024
To reach Luckow, you will have to cover a total distance of about 554, 1,377, 991, 1,871 km from the metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here are the details on how you can reach Lucknow by the following means of public transport.
By Air. The nearest airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) aka Lucknow Airport which is just a few kilometres away from the city centre, situated in the Amausi region of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and is well-connected to major cities of India and overseas. From the airport, you can easily book a cab to reach your destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Lucknow
By Train. The nearest railway station is Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station which connects Lucknow with other Indian cities via an extensive rail network linking major cities. Once you deboard at the station, you will need to book a cab or some other means of locally available transportation to reach your respective destination.
- From Amritsar - Board ASR KOAA SUP SPL from Amritsar Junction and deboard at Lucknow NR station
- From Kanpur - Board JHS LJN SPL from Kanpur Central station and deboard at Lucknow NR station
By Road. The road connectivity of Lucknow city is well-established with neighbouring regions and other major cities of India. Depending on your geographical location you can book a cab, or interstate buses (private/government) to reach your destination. Otherwise, if you are not comfortable travelling on a bus or a cab then you can also self-drive.
- From Gwalior - 342 km via NH719
- From Agra - 336 km via Agra-Lucknow Expressway
- From Jhansi - 316 km via Jhansi-Kanpur Highway
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Conclusion
The Lucknow Mahotsav stands as a vibrant celebration of the city's rich cultural heritage and traditions. Through its array of exhibitions, cuisine, contests, and entertainment, the festival encapsulates the essence of Lucknow's charm and grandeur. It serves not only as a source of enjoyment but also as a platform for promoting tourism, attracting visitors from near and far to experience the magic of Lucknow.
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Frequently Asked Questions Related to Lucknow Mahotsav
Q1. When is Lucknow Mahotsav 2024 scheduled?
A1. Lucknow Mahotsav 2024 is expected to take place in the last week of January. The exact dates will be confirmed by UP Tourism and Lucknow District Administration closer to the event.
Q2. What are the main attractions of Lucknow Mahotsav?
A2. The festival showcases traditional Awadhi performances like Kathak and Qawwali, exhibitions of Chikankari and Zardozi embroidery, Awadhi food stalls, cultural contests, and handicraft displays.
Q3. Where is Lucknow Mahotsav held?
A3. Lucknow Mahotsav is held at Smriti Upvan, a large venue located on the outskirts of Lucknow, which is easily accessible by road.
Q4. How can I purchase tickets for Lucknow Mahotsav?
A4. Tickets can be purchased online via the official UP Tourism website or at the venue. Special packages may be available for group bookings and tourists.
Q5. Are international visitors allowed at Lucknow Mahotsav?
A5. Yes, international visitors are welcome at Lucknow Mahotsav. The festival promotes Lucknow’s rich cultural heritage, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
