Tourism – Reliance Leaders Join Bengaluru Event Celebrating Uttar Pradesh Heritage
Tourism – Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and his son Anant Ambani visited the International Centre of the Art of Living Foundation in Bengaluru during the organization’s 45th anniversary celebrations. The visit took place on Tuesday, where both interacted with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and participated in activities linked to the foundation’s commemorative programs.
Uttar Pradesh Mahotsav to Begin This Week
The Art of Living Foundation is preparing to host the Uttar Pradesh Mahotsav from May 21 to May 24 at its Bengaluru campus in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department. The four-day programme is designed to introduce visitors in South India to the traditions, arts and spiritual heritage associated with Uttar Pradesh.
According to organisers, the event will bring together folk culture, classical music, dance performances, regional cuisine and handicrafts under one platform. The initiative aims to strengthen cultural exchange by presenting the traditions of North India to audiences in Bengaluru through live experiences and exhibitions.
Cultural Programmes to Highlight Regional Traditions
The ashram campus is expected to host a wide range of performances reflecting the artistic legacy of cities such as Varanasi, Lucknow and Mathura. Organisers said audiences will witness classical ragas, Kathak presentations, devotional storytelling sessions and folk performances inspired by the cultural identity of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Among the featured artists are Padma Bhushan recipient Pandit Sajan Mishra, Padma Shri awardee Urmila Shrivastava, along with performers Ruchi Khare and Geetanjali. Their performances are expected to present a blend of devotional music and traditional storytelling rooted in Indian classical heritage.
The festival will also include Raas-inspired cultural presentations linked to the traditions of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. Event organisers believe the combination of music, dance and spiritual themes will create an immersive atmosphere for visitors attending the celebrations.
Exhibitions to Focus on Spiritual Tourism
Apart from stage events, the Mahotsav will feature tourism exhibitions dedicated to destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura and Prayagraj. Installations highlighting the Deepotsav celebrations and the Kumbh Mela will also be displayed at the venue.
Interactive exhibits and visual presentations are being arranged to offer visitors a closer understanding of the religious and historical importance of these places. Organisers stated that the exhibitions are intended to present Uttar Pradesh’s spiritual landscape in a modern and engaging format for younger audiences as well as tourists.
Traditional Cuisine and Artisan Products on Display
Food is expected to remain one of the major attractions during the four-day festival. Visitors will have access to several traditional dishes and sweets associated with Uttar Pradesh, including Mathura peda, Agra petha, dalmoth and regional snack varieties.
The ashram kitchen will also prepare specially curated Mahaprasad meals inspired by Uttar Pradesh cuisine for nearly 2,000 attendees and residents staying at the campus during the event.
In addition, the festival will promote the state’s One District One Product initiative. Handicraft stalls are expected to display Banarasi silk sarees, Lucknow chikankari embroidery, carpets from Mirzapur and Bhadohi, along with other district-based artisan products supported by the MSME sector.
Expanding Collaboration Between Institutions
Organisers said the partnership between the Art of Living Foundation and institutions in Uttar Pradesh has expanded steadily through social and environmental initiatives. A proposed agreement involving the Sri Sri Rural Development Programme and Ayodhya Nagar Nigam focuses on the restoration of 108 historically significant kunds in Ayodhya.
Discussions are also underway regarding educational projects, youth-focused initiatives and environmental programmes linked to community development activities in the state.
Dignitaries Expected During Festival
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel is expected to attend the Mahotsav on May 22 along with senior state representatives and officials from multiple departments. Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana had earlier visited the Bengaluru ashram on May 14 and met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ahead of the celebrations.
Organisers describe the Mahotsav as more than a cultural festival, saying it also serves as a platform to present Uttar Pradesh’s development journey, tourism opportunities and expanding socio-economic initiatives before a wider national audience.