The cultural mosaic of Uttar Pradesh is marked with interesting customs and practices followed by the natives of the state. The festivals and cultural activities in the state make it a place of great pageantry as viewers gather to see the festive mood of the state. National festivals like Holi, Diwali are quite popular in the state and are celebrated with great pomp and show. The legacy of Meena Bazar during the Mughal era is brought back during the festival time of Uttar Pradesh. The religious fairs and festivals receive much greater importance in Uttar Pradesh and some of the fairs are even broadcasted in news channel for public viewing. Kumbh Mela is a popular fair held in UP that calls throngs of devotees to gather. The Ganga festival in Varanasi is a grand gala and it is celebrated to worship the virtuous river. Bateshwar fair is one more festival of Uttar Pradesh where people take a holy dip in Yamuna River for purification. The fairs and festivals turn up the frenzy through events like chariot race, kite flying, pigeon flying etc.

Music and dance thrives in Uttar Pradesh and have created a rich domain. The music of Hindusthani Gharana is an opulent one and several prominent singers belonging to this school of music have made themselves successful nationally. In the early days of music in Uttar Pradesh the members of royal family used to patronize the development and practice of music. Later on songs like Thumari, Sufi songs and poems were developed, which were melodious enough to enthrall the audience. Folk music in Uttar Pradesh is appreciated largely and during the festival of Holi folk songs become the prime tune of the festival. Birha is one more form of music that basically arouses a lamenting mood as it portrays the separation of a newly married bride from her husband.

Like the music, Dances of Uttar Pradesh have also proliferated since the era of monarchy. The famous classical dance kathak has originated from this state. The Charkula dance has yet another form of dance that has received great attention. Devotional dances like Karma has also developed in UP making the genre of dances in India grow by leaps and bounds.