Lucknow, February 14, 2026:

UP Government will organise the Bharat Nepal Maitri Mahotsav 2026 from February 16 to 28 across eight districts of the state, celebrating the deep rooted historical, cultural and spiritual ties between India and Nepal. The festival will begin in Kushinagar on February 16 and 17, followed by programmes in Siddharthnagar on February 18 and 19, and will then move to Maharajganj, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich and Lakhimpur Kheri before concluding in Pilibhit on February 27 and 28.

Designed as a people centric cultural initiative, the Mahotsav seeks to strengthen cross border ties through shared traditions, faith, folk art and community participation. With many of these districts forming part of the Buddhist and cultural landscape of the Terai region, the event is expected to draw common citizens, culture enthusiasts and members of the Buddhist community from both sides of the border.

The opening events in Kushinagar will be hosted at Buddha PG College on February 16 and 17. The Siddharthnagar leg on February 18 and 19 will be organised at BSA Ground. Subsequent programmes will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru PG College in Maharajganj on February 20, Tharu Tribal Museum in Imlia Koder, Balrampur on February 21, Jagjeet Inter College in Shravasti on February 22, Ramleela Ground Bhimrao Ambedkar Park in Bahraich on February 24, Government Eklavya Ashram Inter College in the Integrated Tribal Development Project campus in Lakhimpur Kheri on February 26, and finally at Gandhi Stadium Auditorium in Pilibhit on February 27 and 28.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that the festival is a reflection of the centuries old friendship between India and Nepal. He stated, “Through Bharat Nepal Maitri Mahotsav, we are providing a vibrant platform to our shared heritage, traditions and brotherhood. Cultural programmes will allow artists to connect directly with people and spread the message of harmony and goodwill between the two nations.”

The Mahotsav will feature grand cultural Shobhayatras, Kavi Sammelans and seminars focusing on India Nepal relations. A special exhibition under the ODOP will showcase local crafts and traditional products of Uttar Pradesh, giving a wider platform to artisans and promoting regional enterprise. Special discussions on India Nepal cultural ties, along with painting and rangoli exhibitions, will also be part of the celebrations. In addition, various competitions will be organised in collaboration with schools and colleges in each district.

The Department of Culture and Tourism, along with the concerned district administrations, has invited citizens to participate in large numbers and make the festival a true celebration of friendship. The event is envisioned not only as a cultural spectacle but also as an opportunity to further deepen the enduring bonds between India and Nepal.