Famous Festivals

Bareilly Ki Numaish is an annual socio-development and entertainment exhibition held in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, typically during the summer months. The event has a long-standing history in the city, with some local references tracing its tradition back to 1884. Numerous stalls featuring local handicrafts, garments, jewelry (specifically rings and earrings), and household items. Amusement rides, swings, and live cultural performances. A variety of food stalls offering local and regional Indian street food.

Married women observe a day-long Nirjala (no food, no water) fast and pray for their husband’s long life. Popular religious sites like the Shri Kali Devi Mata Mandir often see increased activity as devotees visit to offer prayers. Traditional swings are decorated in homes and public spaces. Women enjoy swinging while singing folk songs that celebrate the monsoon and marital bliss. Women adorn themselves in green outfits, jewelry, and bangles, representing prosperity and nature. Applying intricate Mehendi (henna) is a central part of the preparations.

The Jashn-e-Chirag (Festival of Lights) at Khanqah-e-Niazia in Bareilly is celebrated annually, typically over two days, around the Islamic date of 16 & 17 Rabi Ul Akhir. This corresponds to October in the Gregorian calendar for the year 2025, but the exact dates change yearly based on the lunar calendar. The 300-year-old tradition is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity and is locally believed to fulfil wishes if one carries an earthen lamp for a few steps. The event attracts people from across India and the world. The venue is open from 5 AM to 11 PM.

The primary Dussehra event, the 39th Rotary Viraat Dussehra Mela, took place from October 3rd to 5th, 2025, at the Bareilly Club Mela Ground. A separate traditional fair and Ravana effigy burning also occurred on the main festival day of Dussehra, October 2, 2025, in the Jogi Nawada and Maninath areas. Held at the Bareilly Club Mela Ground, this event featured cultural performances, food stalls, fun activities, games, thrilling rides, a Mela Queen contest, and the grand Ravan Dahan ceremony.

The Uttarayani Fair in Bareilly is an annual three-day cultural event, held around Makar Sankranti from January 13 to 15 at the Bareilly Club Ground. The fair showcases the rich folk culture and traditions of Uttarakhand. Enjoy traditional folk dances like Chholia, Jhoras, Chancharis, and Bairas, performed by six government-sponsored cultural troupes and other local artists. The rhythmic sounds of traditional musical instruments like dhol and damau are a major attraction. Browse and purchase a variety of unique handcrafted items and local produce from numerous stalls.

The Chaubari Fair (Chaubari Mela) is a historic annual religious and cultural festival held on the banks of the Ramganga River in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. It celebrated its centenary (100 years) in November 2025. The fair traditionally begins on or around Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik). In 2025, the main bathing ritual took place on November 5. The administration typically deploys hundreds of police personnel, uses drone surveillance, and sets up temporary hospitals and lost-and-found camps to manage the crowds.