UP to host cultural festival at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve on these dates; all you need to know
Uttar Pradesh is set to host its inaugural Dudhwa Festival from November 14 to 16, 2025, at the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. This three-day cultural and wildlife extravaganza aims to promote eco-tourism and showcase the state's rich biodiversity and vibrant traditions.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The Dudhwa Festival will highlight the state's natural beauty and cultural heritage, with a focus on the traditions of the indigenous Tharu people. It is anticipated that renowned performers of classical, folk, and contemporary music, including Shubha Mudgal, Kailash Kher, and Ram Sampath, will entertain guests. To accommodate a range of interests, the event will include several stages, including the Main Stage, Techno Stage, and Photography and Lifestyle Zone.
Immersive experiences
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in various activities that blend adventure with cultural immersion. More than 200 tents will be set up to offer camping options, along with homestay options with local Tharu families, which will provide an authentic rural experience. Guided wildlife safaris will offer glimpses into the diverse fauna of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, enhancing the eco-tourism appeal of the event .
Read more:
Supporting local communities
The festival also seeks to support the local economy by promoting wellness practices, handicrafts, and Tharu food. There will be branded goods with slogans and illustrations of wildlife that will help regional artists and give guests one-of-a-kind mementos.
Read more:
A step towards sustainable tourism
By integrating cultural festivities with environmental awareness, the Dudhwa Festival represents a significant step towards sustainable tourism in Uttar Pradesh. It offers a platform to celebrate and preserve the state's natural and cultural assets while providing economic opportunities for local communities.
Visitors are urged to plan their journey to witness this exceptional fusion of culture and nature and to follow official tourism channels for additional information and updates on the Dudhwa Festival.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Govt pushes for rural tourism in 35 U.P. border villages
The state tourism department has announced the development of 35 villages in seven border districts of Uttar Pradesh as 'tourist villages'. The initiative aims to generate employment and preserve local culture, as per a press note. The selected villages in Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit will be transformed into hubs of cultural tourism. Each village will host ten homestay units, giving tourists a chance to live among the locals and experience daily village life. Some of the villages identified for development are Dulhasumali, Bajha, Khunuwan, Kotia, and Gharuar in Siddharthnagar; Imlia Kodar, Chandanpur, Narihwa, Pahadapur, and Belbhariya in Balrampur; and Bankati Chidiya, Purab Majra Himmantnagar, Pipraula, Puraena, and Singhia in Lakhimpur Kheri, the note added. Local youth will be trained as storytellers to narrate village histories, legends, and folklore to visitors in an engaging manner. Women from self-help groups will receive culinary training to prepare and serve traditional dishes, giving guests a true taste of village life. Moreover, products made by the indigenous Tharu community will be promoted in local markets and online, providing artisans with new economic opportunities. 'This is not just a tourism project; it is a holistic development model,' said tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh. 'We are combining tourism with employment, women's empowerment, and heritage conservation. Through this initiative, our border villages will not only attract tourists but also gain a renewed sense of identity and self-reliance.' Officials confirmed that work on the project will begin soon, with infrastructure upgrades, training modules, and community engagement being prioritized in the initial phase.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
UP eco-tourism push in Dudhwa aiding Tharu tribals
Lucknow: UP's plan to boost eco-tourism also involves the inclusion of local tribes and residents in the growth story. A notable example is the inclusion of Tharu tribals in Dudhwa, as highlighted in a meeting chaired by tourism and culture minister Thakur Jaiveer Singh. This approach seeks to ensure that the benefits of eco-tourism reach the local communities, fostering sustainable growth and cultural preservation. "Living in harmony with nature in villages along the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve , culturally rich Tharu tribals are known for their deeply rooted forest-based traditions, sustainable agriculture, and a close-knit community with unique traditions that include dress, jewellery, folk songs, and dance. Itineraries being made for Dudhwa have included interactions with these tribals so that the community benefits from the visitors," the minister told TOI. Officials said that the govt took initiatives to include local communities in tourism development in a big way. "While on one hand, the idea is to aid their economy, their role is also crucial to the conservation of the forest resource," said Prakhar Mishra, director of eco-tourism, UP. Stating that many Tharu families traditionally depended solely on small patches of agricultural land for sustenance, officials said the department was handholding them to develop homestays and run schemes like bed and breakfast. A preliminary study revealed that demand for experiential tourism was high in India. "Taking a cue from that, UP's eco-tourism thought of a model that benefits all — the locals, the state, and even the visitors. In specific reference to Tharus and Dudhwa, visitors can get a chance to feast on their traditional delicacies such as Dhikri made from rice, Patauta, and Ek Patiya Saag," Mishra said, adding, "The bonus is scores of big and small stories of living with nature and facing the big cat and other animals. " To further boost livelihoods and preserve traditional skills, initiatives like the Tharu Shilp Gram have been launched by the UP Eco-Tourism Board. Located near the tiger reserve, this craft village showcases handmade jute products created by Tharu artisans such as bags, mats, caps, decor and accessories — all made with techniques passed down through generations.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Time of India
UP to host cultural festival at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve on these dates; all you need to know
Uttar Pradesh is set to host its inaugural Dudhwa Festival from November 14 to 16, 2025, at the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. This three-day cultural and wildlife extravaganza aims to promote eco-tourism and showcase the state's rich biodiversity and vibrant traditions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Dudhwa Festival will highlight the state's natural beauty and cultural heritage, with a focus on the traditions of the indigenous Tharu people. It is anticipated that renowned performers of classical, folk, and contemporary music, including Shubha Mudgal, Kailash Kher, and Ram Sampath, will entertain guests. To accommodate a range of interests, the event will include several stages, including the Main Stage, Techno Stage, and Photography and Lifestyle Zone. Immersive experiences Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in various activities that blend adventure with cultural immersion. More than 200 tents will be set up to offer camping options, along with homestay options with local Tharu families, which will provide an authentic rural experience. Guided wildlife safaris will offer glimpses into the diverse fauna of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, enhancing the eco-tourism appeal of the event . Read more: Supporting local communities The festival also seeks to support the local economy by promoting wellness practices, handicrafts, and Tharu food. There will be branded goods with slogans and illustrations of wildlife that will help regional artists and give guests one-of-a-kind mementos. Read more: A step towards sustainable tourism By integrating cultural festivities with environmental awareness, the Dudhwa Festival represents a significant step towards sustainable tourism in Uttar Pradesh. It offers a platform to celebrate and preserve the state's natural and cultural assets while providing economic opportunities for local communities. Visitors are urged to plan their journey to witness this exceptional fusion of culture and nature and to follow official tourism channels for additional information and updates on the Dudhwa Festival.
