UPITS 2024 to showcase Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage to global audience

Lucknow : The UP International Trade Show (UPITS), set to take place in Greater Noida from September 25 to 29 under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, will provide entrepreneurs with a platform to realize their ambitions while offering guests an immersive experience of Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage.

The Yogi government will showcase diverse folk dance forms and songs of Uttar Pradesh, providing artistes with a platform to introduce their unique talents to the global audience. In addition, artists from Russia, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Venezuela, Egypt, and Bangladesh will showcase their unique cultures, enriching the experience for the hosts and attendees alike.

The Culture Department has made extensive preparations for the second edition of the UP International Trade Show, which will feature a variety of cultural performances. Visitors will enjoy five days of captivating programs on the Muktakashi stage.

The event will kick off on September 25 with the rendition of a soulful bhajan by Madhavi Madhukar from Noida. It will be followed by a cultural presentation by artistes from Vietnam, the guest country. Bollywood singer Ankit Tiwari will close the first day’s festivities with a lively performance.

On September 26, international artists from Bolivia, Russia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Venezuela, Egypt, and more, will showcase their cultural heritage through performances arranged by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Neelakshi Roy of Prayagraj will offer a spiritually enriching performance, Prem Ke Rang, Krishna Ke Sang, while Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor will conclude the evening with her popular songs.

September 27 will feature Madhuri Sharma from Mathura, who will present traditional Braj folk songs, followed by a performance by youth favourites of Indian Idol fame Pawandeep and Arunita. On September 28, Sanjoli Pandey from Lucknow and Ranjana Neb from Saharanpur will present a Kathak dance drama based on the Ram Katha.

Madhava Band will perform devotional Krishna Bhajans. The final day, September 29, will include presentation of Bundelkhandi folk songs by Jitendra Chaurasia from Mahoba, a dance drama on the Hanuman Chalisa by Agra’s Preeti Singh, and a performance by Dr. Palash Sen’s Euphoria band.

The Yogi government has placed a strong emphasis on promoting folk culture, and this event offers a platform for folk artists from across Uttar Pradesh. Notable performances include the Dhedhiya dance by Preeti Singh’s team from Prayagraj, Pai-Danda by Ramesh Pal from Banda, Faruahi by Shitala Prasad Verma from Ayodhya, Badhawa folk dance by Sumishtha Mitra of Ayodhya, and Kathak by Devendra S. Mangalmukhi from Agra.

Other traditional performances include Rai by Vandana Kushwaha from Jhansi, Tharu dance by Bunty Rana of Pilibhit, Mayur folk dance by Deepak Sharma, and Kathak dance drama by Preeti Tiwari from Lucknow. Additionally, various artists from districts across the state have been allowed to showcase their talents.