Festivals in Uttar Pradesh in November 2025
November in Uttar Pradesh is a time of profound spiritual significance, cultural celebrations, and seasonal transitions. As the winter sets in, the state becomes a hub of festive energy with events that attract both locals and travelers. The month is marked by the grandeur of Diwali, the divine serenity of Kartik Purnima, and other regional festivals celebrated with devotion and joy.
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Key Festivals in Uttar Pradesh in November 2025
1. Diwali (November 1, 2025)
Significance:
Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana.
Rituals:
- Cleaning and Decoration: Homes and temples are cleaned and adorned with rangoli, flowers, and diyas (oil lamps).
- Lakshmi Puja: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, seeking wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
- Bursting Firecrackers: Symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Cultural Highlights:
- The streets of Ayodhya are illuminated with millions of lamps, recreating the welcoming of Lord Rama.
- Markets in cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi bustle with shoppers purchasing sweets, decorations, and gifts.
2. Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2025)
Significance:
This festival commemorates Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains.
Rituals:
- Annakut Offering: Large quantities of food are prepared and offered to Lord Krishna in temples.
- Govardhan Parikrama: Devotees walk around Govardhan Hill as a form of worship.
- Community Feasts: Villages organize feasts symbolizing abundance and gratitude.
Key Locations:
Vrindavan and Mathura are the epicenters of Govardhan Puja celebrations, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
3. Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2025)
Significance:
Bhai Dooj strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. It is observed two days after Diwali.
Rituals:
- Sisters perform aarti for their brothers and apply tilak on their foreheads.
- Brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters.
- Special feasts are prepared, featuring traditional sweets like kheer and laddoos.
Cultural Highlights:
Families across Uttar Pradesh celebrate this day with heartfelt joy and unity, making it an essential part of the Diwali week.
4. Chhath Puja (November 7–10, 2025)
Significance:
Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, for health, prosperity, and gratitude.
Rituals:
- Nahay Khay: Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges and prepare a traditional meal.
- Sandhya Arghya: Offering prayers to the setting sun on the third day.
- Usha Arghya: Devotees pray to the rising sun on the final day, concluding the fast.
Key Locations:
Varanasi and Allahabad witness grand Chhath Puja celebrations along the riverbanks, with thousands of devotees gathered in devotion.
5. Kartik Purnima (November 15, 2025)
Significance:
Kartik Purnima is a sacred day for Hindus, celebrated in honor of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is also known as Dev Deepavali, marking the gods’ descent to Earth.
Rituals:
- Ganga Snan: Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Ganges at dawn.
- Lamp Lighting: Temples and ghats are illuminated with oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing scene.
- Charity: Devotees donate food, clothes, and money to the needy.
Cultural Highlights:
- The ghats of Varanasi light up with thousands of lamps during Ganga Mahotsav, attracting tourists and devotees worldwide.
- Temples in Mathura and Vrindavan host Raas Leela performances to honor Lord Krishna.
