Upvan Art Festival

The Upvan Art Festival (Sanskruti Arts Festival) is one of Maharashtra’s largest and most vibrant multi-cultural events. Held at the picturesque Upvan Lake in Thane, with the Yeoor Hills as a backdrop, the festival transforms the lakeside into a massive open-air gallery and performance arena.

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📅 Festival Schedule (2026)

The festival is a 4-day celebration of art, music, and heritage.

• Dates: January 9th – January 12th, 2026
• Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Location: Upvan Lake, Thane (West), Maharashtra

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Highlights of the Festival

Artistic Diversity

Witness a blend of traditional and contemporary art. The festival hosts over 300 artists ranging from:

• Live Installations: Large-scale sculptures and photography galleries along the lake.
• Performing Arts: Classical dance, Sufi music, folk performances, and live rock bands.
• Workshops: Interactive sessions on pottery, painting, and traditional crafts.

The Atmosphere

As the sun sets, the entire 2-kilometer stretch around the lake is illuminated. The festival features a grand Food Court offering local Maharashtrian delicacies (like Misal Pav and Puran Poli) alongside global street food, and a Craft Bazaar for unique handmade souvenirs.

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Practical Travel Tips

Getting There

• By Train: The nearest station is Thane (Central Line). From the station (East or West), you can take a TMT bus or an auto-rickshaw to Upvan Lake (approx. 5-6 km).
• By Road: Easily accessible from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai via the Eastern Express Highway.
• Parking Hack: Official parking spots fill up by 5:00 PM. If you are driving, arrive early or park near Meadows/Vasant Vihar and take a short walk to avoid the bottleneck near the lake entry.

Best Time to Visit

• For Art Lovers: Visit between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to explore the galleries and craft stalls without the evening rush.
• For the Vibe: Arrive by 5:30 PM to catch the sunset over the hills and stay for the main stage performances.

What to Pack/Wear

• Footwear: You will be walking a lot. Wear comfortable sneakers or flat sandals.
• Layers: Evenings in January can get slightly chilly near the water; carry a light shawl or jacket.
• Digital Prep: Mobile networks often get congested due to the crowd. If you are in a group, decide on a physical meeting point (like the main entrance gate) in case you lose signal.