Geographically Purvanchal covers 32 districts of the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. However, it is more of a distinct culture and way of living, which is being followed by the people of that region.

Purvanchal is one of the most ancient regions of India. It enjoys a rich heritage and culture, particularly because of its association with cities like Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Kashi, Kushinagar, Prayagraj, Lucknow etc. In popular culture, Purvanchal is well-known as "the land of warriors". The history of the country's freedom movement is incomplete without the history of the revolutionaries and the sacrifices of Purvanchal.

The region of Purvanchal had a long tradition of learning. Sanskrit-based education comprising the learning of Vedic-to-Gupta periods, coupled with the later Pali corpus of knowledge and a vast store of ancient-to-medieval learning in Persian and Arabic languages, had formed the core of Hindu-Buddhist-Muslim education, until the rise of British power. Purvanchal Universities and academic institutions (such as BHU, Allahabad University, DDU Gorakhpur, Kashi Vidyapeeth, Lucknow University, TD College, Shibli College, Queens Colleges, Colvin Taluqdars' College etc.) have played a very significant role in building up of modern independent India.

Purvanchal has also preserved some of the folk arts of singing and dancing that typically represents its ethnic cultural identity. Starting from Dhobiya, Kaharwa, Aalha, Pawanriya, Videshiya, Birha, Chanaini, Swang and Chaiti to Kisan ka Naach, Launda Ka Naach and different types of Nautanki/Street Plays, Purvanchal has many rich folk arts to showcase and take pride of. Interestingly, these songs and dances are dedicated to some season or festival i.e. kaharwa at Deepawali, Alha, Kajri and Barahmasi during the rainy and winter nights, and the Phaag during Holi and Chaiti post Holi. The famous Purab Gharana of Lucknow, Jaunpur Gharana, Banaras Gharana, Jogis of Gorakhnath depicts the himalayan contribution of Purvanchal to the world of music.

Besides, Banarasi Sari, Bhadohi's Carpets, Nizambad's black pottery, Lucknow's Chikenkari, Gorakhpur's Terracotta etc. are considered to be the finest artistry products of India. Agri products of Purvanchal, specially fresh vegetables of Varanasi Mandal and Kala Namak Rice of Siddharth Nagar are equally popular all over the world.

Purvanchal is also known for its distinct flavour and taste in food items. Pakoda, Jalebi, Imarti, Pua, Gulgula, Khurma, Ghaati, Bati Chokha, Phara, Ulta Pulta, Taadi, Sattu ki Poori & Pratha, Gud Ki Kheer, Rasawal, Sewenyan, Daal Ka Dulha, Different type of Khichdi, Banarasi Paan, Mutter Ka Namoona, etc. are some of the mouth watering delicacies of Purvanchal.