Lucknow, often celebrated as the City of Nawabs, is a living showcase of history, culture, and timeless traditions. Among its many cultural treasures, the Lucknow Mahotsav stands out as one of the most vibrant annual festivals, organized with grandeur by UP Tourism and the Lucknow District Administration. With its evocative theme, “Shaan-e-Awadh, Jashn-e-Lucknow”, the festival is a magnificent tribute to the city’s glorious past, offering an immersive experience where art, literature, music, dance, food, and craftsmanship blend seamlessly.
The festival captures the very soul of Awadh. Spectacular performances such as Kathak, which traces its roots to Lucknow, leave audiences mesmerized with graceful storytelling through dance. Qawwali and Ghazals echo with soulful melodies, while Mushairas and Kavi Sammelans keep the city’s poetic legacy alive, enthralling lovers of Urdu and Hindi literature alike. Each performance not only entertains but also safeguards the rich cultural traditions that have long defined Lucknow’s identity.
Equally enchanting are the exhibitions of Chikankari and Zardozi embroidery, where artisans display intricate handwork that has earned global admiration. These age-old crafts, nurtured for centuries in Awadh, are showcased alongside paintings, pottery, and other handicrafts, turning the Mahotsav into a paradise for art connoisseurs and collectors. Food enthusiasts, meanwhile, indulge in the unmatched delights of Awadhi cuisine—from melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and fragrant biryanis to traditional sweets that capture the true flavors of Lucknow.
Adding to the vibrancy are spirited competitions, folk performances, and traditional games such as kite flying, ekka races, and archery, which revive the nostalgia of simpler times. For both locals and tourists, the Mahotsav is more than a cultural spectacle—it is an experience of unity, festivity, and community bonding.
Beyond its cultural charm, the Lucknow Mahotsav also boosts tourism and supports local artisans and businesses, giving them a platform to connect with wider audiences. It serves as a reminder of the city’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, the harmonious blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions, which continues to define Lucknow’s unique cultural identity.
Ultimately, the Lucknow Mahotsav is not just a festival; it is a grand celebration of Awadhi heritage, inviting everyone to step into the magic of Nawabi traditions and experience the pride of Lucknow in its truest form.
Date of Lucknow Mahotsav 2025
The Lucknow Mahotsav 2025 is scheduled to be held from November 25 to December 5, 2025. This vibrant 10-day cultural extravaganza will once again bring the charm of Awadhi traditions to life. Visitors can look forward to an exciting lineup of cultural performances, traditional handicrafts, folk art displays, and authentic Awadhi cuisine, making it one of the most anticipated festivals of Uttar Pradesh.
History of Lucknow Mahotsav 2025
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 2025
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).
Read More : Places To Visit Near Lucknow
How to Reach Lucknow Mahotsav 2025
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
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 did Lucknow Mahotsav start?
A1: Lucknow Mahotsav was first organized in 1975–76 to highlight and promote the rich cultural heritage, art, and traditions of Awadh. Since then, it has become an annual celebration showcasing music, dance, crafts, and cuisine.
Q2: What is the last date of UP Mahotsav 2025?
A2: The UP Mahotsav 2025 (Lucknow Mahotsav) will conclude on December 5, 2025. The 10-day festival begins on November 25 and ends with grand cultural performances and exhibitions.
Q3: Where is the venue for Awadh Mahotsav 2025?
A3: The venue for the Awadh Mahotsav 2025 (Lucknow Mahotsav) is Vrindavan Yojna, Shaheed Path, Lucknow. The location offers a large space for cultural programs, handicraft stalls, and food courts.
Q4: Why is Lucknow so famous?
A4: Lucknow is famous for its Nawabi culture, historical monuments, Chikankari embroidery, Awadhi cuisine, and its unique Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (composite culture). It is also known as the City of Nawabs for its royal heritage and traditions.
Q5: When did Mahotsav start?
A5: The Lucknow Mahotsav (Mahotsav) started in 1975, coinciding with the Tourism Year celebrations in India. It was initiated to promote local arts, crafts, cuisine, and culture at a national and international level.
