Two Days of Festive Frenzy Before Uttarakhand Mahotsav in Lucknow: “War of Bands” and “Dandiya Night” to Add Musical Sparkle

Lucknow | Lucknow is all set to witness a vibrant prelude to the much-awaited Uttarakhand Mahotsav 2025, promising to bring the colors, sounds, and spirit of the hills to the plains. Organized by the Uttarakhand Mahaparishad, the grand 10-day cultural extravaganza will officially begin on November 9 and continue till November 18. But before that, the city will come alive with two special pre-events — “War of Bands” on November 7 and “Dandiya Night” on November 8 — at the scenic Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Parvatiya Sanskritik Upvan, located on Birbal Sahni Marg along the Gomti riverfront.

The festival, being held to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Uttarakhand’s Statehood, is not only a celebration of the state’s rich heritage but also a cultural treat for the people of Lucknow.
According to Rajesh Bisht, Secretary of Uttarakhand Mahaparishad, the War of Bands received 25 entries from across the region, out of which six top bands have been shortlisted to perform live on November 7. “The audience can expect an electrifying evening of music and competition,” Bisht said. The winning band will receive a cash prize of ₹25,000, a winner’s trophy, a four-day tour of Uttarakhand, and a chance to compose an original track with SwarAnjali Studio, along with special promotional opportunities. The runner-up team will also be honored with a trophy and special promotion during the main Mahotsav.

Adding to the excitement, the very next evening — November 8 — the venue will light up with the “Dandiya Night”, featuring a fusion of Uttarakhandi folk rhythms and Bollywood beats. Visitors, dressed in colorful traditional attire, will dance under the glittering lights, celebrating the cultural harmony between Uttarakhand and Awadh.

Local artists from both Lucknow and Uttarakhand will perform live to make the evening even more memorable. Visitors can also enjoy stalls showcasing Uttarakhand’s famous delicacies such as bal mithai, gaderi, pulses, and woollen wear, along with handcrafted jewelry, traditional garments, and authentic hill cuisines.

According to the organizing committee, the Gomti riverfront will be transformed into a miniature Uttarakhand, where the fragrance of the hills meets the warmth of Lucknow’s hospitality. Over the years, the event has grown in scale and significance, emerging as one of the city’s biggest cultural attractions after the Lucknow Mahotsav.

With the organizing team working tirelessly to ensure a flawless experience, visitors can look forward to an immersive showcase of Uttarakhand’s art, music, and traditions. As the city readies itself, the evenings ahead promise to echo with the “Uttarakhand spirit” — a blend of melody, festivity, and mountain magic