Uttar Pradesh (Hindi: उत्तर प्रदेश, lit. "Northern
Province"; formerly known as United Provinces, abbr. UP) is a state located in northern India. It was
created on 1 April 1937 as the United Provinces with the passing of the States
Reorganization Act and renamed Uttar Pradesh in 1950. Lucknow is the capital of
Uttar Pradesh. On 9 November 2000, a new state, Uttarakhand, was carved from
the mountainous Himalayan region of Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh is a land of unending histories and charms. This
state is a land gifted with rich natural wealth. Both international and
national tourists get attracted to this place as there are several aspects
worth exploring. The beauty of Uttar Pradesh is a myth that is never ending.
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| A festival thali including sabzi -puri, rice, paneer & dessert in the form of kheer |
Appetizing Flavours and Lip Smacking Delight Dominate Uttar Pradesh Dishes
Assortment of Uttar Pradesh cuisines originates from royal kitchens as well as from the street corners and sweetmeat shops. Recipes and cooking techniques from the state have influenced the fine dining scenario across the country. Sub-regional delicacies unwrap at every step during a trip to Uttar Pradesh. Let’s have a look at the myriad of options available.
Direct from Nawabi Menu
Nawabs ruling the region’s princely states during the Mughal Era introduced Dum
Pukht. It is a royal slow cooking method generally used for rice and meat
cookingwithin sealed containers for retaining flavours and juices. Many Awadhi
and Mughlai dishes prepared this way are relished worldwide. Mutton, cheese and
rice are the top ingredients cooked in aromatic and flavour some spices. Most
notable Nawabi dishes are kebabs, biryani, pulao, koftas, nihari and naan.
Famous Sweet Dishes - Sweetmeats for Gourmet’s Delight
Pedafrom Mathura, petha
from Agra, khurchan, chamcham and many other sweetmeats prepared from milk are
savoured in day-to-day life and especially during the festivals. Many popular
sweets like gulabjamun and jalebi are known for enticing the taste buds. A
festival thali also includes sabzi-puri, raita and desserts in the form of
kheer and sewai.
Irresistible Street Snacks
Samosa and kachori are
must-have fried foods that can be easily found in any corner of the state.
Nothing can match the taste of chaats prepared using many interesting
ingredients and spices and served with yoghurt and chutneys (coriander spicy
sauce).
Don’t forget to have a Banarasipaan (prepared using betel leaves) after a meal.
A sharbat (prepared from
fruits and flower petals) is the perfect drink to complete the list.
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| Braj Raslila , the famous folk dance of U.P. |
Culture
Uttar Pradesh has been
the cultural seat of the country for a very long time. The history of Uttar
Pradesh is fascinating, and it has shaped a rich cultural heritage of the state
that has emerged as the focal point of the Indian culture. The Mauryans, the Mughals,
the British, etc. all brought with them their own cultural traits.
A cultured, genteel
lifestyle was the essence of the rule of the Muslim Nawabs of Awadh. Music,
dance, literature, poetry, arts and crafts flourished under royal patronage.
Women were encouraged to learn the fine arts and to read and write, albeit
within the ‘purdah’. Litterateurs, painters, dancers and musicians created
masterpieces in their respective genres.
Folk arts of Uttar
Pradesh include these theatrical forms-
1.
Braj
Raslila, which is associated
with the life of the lover-God, Lord Krishna
2.
Ramlila is another such art form dealing with the life
of Lord Rama
3.
Charukala is another folk dance of the state. The dance of
Charkula involves a female dancer balancing a column of lighted deepikas over
her head while dancing.
4.
Rasiya describes the love of Radha and Shri Krishna.
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| Major religions practised in India |
Religion
The majority of the
people are Hindus while a large percentage of the minority practice Islam.
There are also a fair number of Christians in Uttar Pradesh.
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| Girls playing the festival of colours-HOLI |
Festivals
The important Hindu
festivals of Uttar Pradesh are Navaratri, Diwali, Shivaratri, Raksha
Bandhan,Holi and Janmashtami
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| Muslim festival Muharram being practised in the streets of Lucknow. |
Muslim Festivals
The most solemn and colourful Muslim function held in the state is Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holi Prophet. In all cities and towns Muslims take out impressive processions of colourfully decorated tazias, replicas of the martyr's tomb at Karbala. The most solemn and impressive Muharram is observed in Lucknow, where gold and silver replicas of old Nawabi times are brought out and men beat their breasts in mourning constantly until blood oozes out. The two Imambaras and Shah Najaf are beautifully illuminated for two days. An impressive event is a fire-walking feat held in one of the Imambaras. After the burial of the tazias on the tenth day, a gathering of mourners in utter darkness is held, known as Majlis Sham-i-Ghariban, one of the most soul-stirring events among Muharram observances. The other occasions of religious importance for Muslims are Id-Ul-Fitr, Ramzan (a month devoted to fasting), Chehlum, Bara Wafat, Shah-i-Barat and Id-Uz-Zuha.
THIS VIDEO WILL ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ON WHY U SHOULD VISIT THE MAGNIFICENT STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH
