Which Hindu festivals are widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh?

In Uttar Pradesh, most festivals are observed according to the Hindu calendar. Widely celebrated Hindu festivals in the state include:

• Dussehra: Commemorates the victory of the deity Rama over the demon king Ravana.1
• Diwali: The festival of lights, which honors the goddess Lakshmi and marks the return of Rama to Ayodhya.12
• Holi: A vibrant spring festival. In the Braj region, including Mathura and Vrindavan, celebrations are particularly elaborate, often lasting 40 days and including unique traditions like Lathmar Holi.13
• Janmashtami: Celebrates the birth of Krishna, with significant observances in Mathura and Vrindavan, where he spent his youth.14
• Shivaratri: A day dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva.1
• Kumbh Mela: Held in Prayagraj every 12 years, this is the largest religious festival in India, drawing millions of pilgrims for ritual bathing in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.156