Mathura to host Braj Raj Utsav 2026 cultural festival

The Braj Raj Utsav 2026 will be held in Mathura from October 23 to November 2. Initiated by the Yogi government, the festival is centered on the theme ‘Culture, Devotion, Art, and Identity of Braj’ to showcase the region's rich cultural heritage and folk traditions.

The formal inauguration is scheduled for October 24, led by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary and Member of Parliament Hema Malini. Cultural highlights include Hema Malini’s dance drama ‘Ganga’, Saurabh Raj Jain’s play ‘Mere Krishna’, and Raslila performances organized by the Gita Shodh Sansthan and Raslila Academy.

The event aims to provide a platform for both national and local artists, including students, to preserve Braj's musical and theatrical legacy. Additionally, the festival will feature craft fairs, food courts, and stalls promoting local handicrafts and regional cuisine through government initiatives such as ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) and ‘One District, One Cuisine’ (ODOC).