New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh’s history is very ancient and interesting, too. Many great sages of the Vedic times flourished in this state. Uttar Pradesh is home to several ancient cities and boasts several world-famous monuments. UP is central to pilgrimage sites, including Lord Ram and Krishna’s birthplaces. The state celebrates its Formation Day on January 24 every year, also known as the Uttar Pradesh Diwas or Uttar Pradesh Day. This year’s celebration is more special because of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. It will be observed from January 24 to January 26.
While talking to the reporters, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said the theme for this year’s Uttar Pradesh Day is “Development and Heritage: Uttar Pradesh on the Path to Progress (Vikas aur Virasat: Pragati Path Par Uttar Pradesh).” On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day, let us look at some unknown facts about the fourth-largest state of India, also known as the “Heartland of India”.
Uttar Pradesh’s Rich History: A Journey Through Time
Uttar Pradesh is a rich state filled with culture, history, and tradition. It has many festivals, delicious foods, and beautiful tourist spots. Visitors can see ancient temples, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic sites. The state is also known for its stunning architecture, large forts, and natural beauty.
Uttar Pradesh is a sacred place where millions of pilgrims arrive each year to bathe in holy waters. The Ganga River flows through the state, nourishing its fertile plains. In Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts millions of devotees daily.
One of Uttar Pradesh’s biggest attractions is the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders. It draws tourists from all over, making it the top destination in the state and the country.
Birthplace of Gods
The Kingdom of Kosala was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas and is now in Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya, its capital, is where Lord Rama was born. Mathura, another Mahajanapada, is where Lord Krishna was born. Krishna is an essential figure in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Mathura is also in Uttar Pradesh.
A Tree from Heaven
The Parijaat tree is said to have been brought from heaven by Lord Krishna. Its flowers change colour.
First Human Settlement in Uttar Pradesh
The first humans settled in Uttar Pradesh about 70,000 to 80,000 years ago. They lived as hunter-gatherers and spread throughout the state.
Home to Powerful Empires
Uttar Pradesh has been home to several powerful empires, including Magadh, Nand, Maurya, Kushan, Sunga, and Mughal empires.
Borders with Nine States
Uttar Pradesh shares its border with nine states: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to the northwest; Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan to the west; Madhya Pradesh to the south; Chhattisgarh to the southeast; and Bihar and Jharkhand to the east. It also shares an international border with Nepal.
A Place of Diverse Languages
Hindi is the official language of Uttar Pradesh. However, several other languages are spoken in different areas. These include Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Braj Bhasa, Bundeli, and Kannauji. Urdu is also recognised as an additional official language.
Changing Names Over Time
The state was called the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh on March 22, 1902. In January 1921, it became the United Provinces of British India. On April 1, 1937, it was known as United Provinces. After India gained independence, it was renamed Uttar Pradesh on January 24, 1950. On November 9, 2000, Uttarakhand was carved out from Uttar Pradesh.
Land of Ganga and Yamuna
Uttar Pradesh is home to the Ganga-Yamuna Doab region. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers flow through the state before reaching the Bay of Bengal.
Different Crops in Different Regions
Uttar Pradesh grows various crops in different regions. In the northwest, the main crops are sugarcane, rice, maize, and cotton. Wheat, rice, mango, guava, oilseed, tobacco, and potatoes are grown in the southwest. In the eastern part, wheat, rice, and chilli are grown. The state produces half of India’s sugarcane, earning it the nickname “Sugarcane Bowl of India.”
Rich in Flora and Fauna
Forests cover 12.8 per cent of Uttar Pradesh. Silver fir, spruce, deodar, chir, and oak trees are found in the central region. The Himalayan foothills and Terai region have sal and giant haldu trees. Along riverbanks, shisham trees grow abundantly. The Vindhya mountain range has dhak, teak, mahua, salai, chironji, and tendu wood. Uttar Pradesh also has varied wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and many birds. The stag is the state animal, and the sarus crane is the state bird.
World’s Largest Gathering
The world’s largest gathering, known as Kumbh or Kumbha Mela, takes place every 12 years in Prayagraj. Millions of pilgrims gather to bathe in the Ganga River. In 2013, the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad attracted 120 million visitors, the largest human gathering in history.
Unique Holi in Barsana
Holi in Barsana is unique from the rest of India. The celebration starts 15 days before Holika Dahan and lasts 20 to 25 days. Besides the traditional colours of Holi, Barsana has a special celebration called lath mar Holi, where participants playfully hit each other with sticks.
Tourist Destination
Uttar Pradesh is rich in ancient architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Major tourist attractions include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, the Ghats of Varanasi, Sarnath, Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, and various attractions in Lucknow, including Imambaras and Khusro Bagh.
Uttar Pradesh, the “Heartland of India”, boasts a captivating history, from ancient Vedic sages to powerful empires. Home to the Taj Mahal, Ayodhya, and Mathura, it’s a significant pilgrimage destination. The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated alongside Uttar Pradesh Day, adds to the state’s cultural richness, focusing on development and heritage. Discover its diverse languages, flora, fauna, and unique traditions like Lathmar Holi. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
