Folk culture and handicrafts of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh’s culture is intriguing and unique in its diversity. The reference to Uttar Pradesh as the ‘cradle of Indian culture’ is quite appropriate. Within its boundaries lie a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious population that has absorbed many of the nuances of immigrant cultures and ethnicities. (Photo/ Agencies)

The tradition of painting in Uttar Pradesh has been going on since pre-historic times. The cave paintings of Sonbhadra and Chitrakoot depict scenes of hunting, war, festivals, dances, romantic life and animals. The golden period of painting in UP was the Mughal Era. The art of painting attained its peak during the reign of Jahangir. (Photo/ Lexica.art)

Blessed with cultural richness, Uttar Pradesh has grabbed the attention of tourists with its popular folk dances. The Charkula Dance of the Braj region in Uttar Pradesh is one of the spectacular folk dances. Khyal dance is yet another folk dance of Uttar Pradesh, which is popular in other Indian states as well. (Photo/ Lexica.art)

One of the most popular crafts of Uttar Pradesh is Chikankari, which entails delicate and traditional hand embroidery. This form of handicraft is mainly practiced in Lucknow. It is done on fabrics like chiffon, muslin, organza, organdie and silk. Chikan saris and kurtas which considered perfect summer wear. (Photo/Agencies)

Zardozi is another unique art where the embroidery is done in three dimensions. Zari works of Varanasi are famous across the globe. (Photo/ Agencies)

Glazed pottery with white background and blue and green patterns is developed in Khurja, Chunar and Rampur in Uttar Pradesh. The state produces some of the finest Chunar black clay pottery. This is inlaid with silver paint in intricate designs. The art that is practiced in Nizamabad has high gloss and lustre derived from a powder called kabiz made from the mud of rice fields. Khurja is also well known for its cheap and tough tableware. (Photo/ Agencies)

Traditional folk music in Uttar Pradesh has been categorised in three different ways including music transmitted orally, music with unknown composers and music performed by custom. With each and every district of Uttar Pradesh having its unique music and tradition, the folk music is for every mood and occasion. (Photo/ Agencies)

'Attars' or perfumes are being produced in Lucknow since 19th century. The Lucknow perfumers experimented and succeeded in making attar with delicate and lasting fragrances which are made from various aromatic herbs, spices, sandal oil, musk, essence of flowers and leaves. (Photo/ Lexica.art)

Indian cuisine has long been coveted for its astonishing variety of dishes and Uttar Pradesh is home to two of the most popular cuisines with a long history of culture and tradition. These are Awadhi and Mughal. The Awadhi cuisine is influenced by the Awadh region of the state. Mughal cuisine needs no introduction as many of the dishes created by the Nawabs feature in menus all over the world. (Photo/ Agencies)