Lucknow: The first phase of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Regional Music Competition began on Monday at the Sant Gadgeji Auditorium, running from December 1 to 3. The opening day featured competitions in melodic instruments, where young participants from the children’s, junior and youth categories showcased their skills in gaj, tantri and sushir instruments.
The series will continue on Tuesday, December 2, with competitions in avandaddh vadya (percussion instruments), including tabla and pakhawaj. The final day on December 3 will be dedicated to the Kathak dance competition. The second phase of the event—vocal music—will take place from December 8 to 11.
Akademi Chairperson Prof. Jayant Khot, in his address, said that the Akademi organises divisional-level competitions in classical and light music, followed by the regional-level music competitions. These contests, he added, not only provide a platform to budding talent but also help instil cultural values of dance, music and instrumental arts in children from an early age.
He further noted that the popularity of the competition has been steadily increasing. In 2024–25, the divisional classical competition marked its Golden Jubilee, expanding its scope to include light music, ghazal and bhajan. That year, nearly 900 participants from 21 centres across 18 divisions took part. In 2025–26, the number rose to about 1,100 participants across 23 centres. Given the growing enthusiasm, two new centres—Lakhimpur and Farrukhabad—have been added this year.
He also suggested that linking schools to such events would help nurture not just performers but also discerning listeners of music.
The inaugural ceremony, conducted by Samreen, was attended by Prof. Jayant Khot, Vice-Chairperson Vibha Singh, Director Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar and invited judges—Ghaziabad-based senior flautist Atul Shankar, Delhi-based renowned sarangi exponent Vidushi Gauri Banerjee Sati and Dehradun-based senior sitarist Agni Verma. The dignitaries jointly lit the ceremonial lamp. The judges were also honoured with mementoes and ceremonial stoles.
In the children’s category, Varanasi’s Shivansh Singh captivated the audience with a performance of Raag Bhoopali on the rare instrument vichitra veena, earning loud applause from music lovers. Shivansh has previously secured top positions in the guitar and sitar categories of the same competition.
Prayagraj’s Ashit Sai impressed with Raag Ahir Bhairav on the mandolin; he had earlier won the guitar competition in 2022. Saharanpur’s Rudra Monga presented Raag Kirwani on the sarod, while Kavan Preet Singh showcased Raag Miyan ki Malhar on the sitar, both receiving warm appreciation.
In the junior category, Greater Noida’s Aanjaneya Joshi presented Raag Saraswati on the flute, Muradabad’s Srijan performed Raag Bhoopali on the flute, and Banda’s Uday Prakash displayed fine sitar skills in Raag Yaman.
In the youth category, Prayagraj’s Shashwat Girdhar performed Raag Yaman on the sitar, while Saharanpur’s Nikita Singh impressed with her rendition of Raag Rageshri on the sarod.
The competition continues on Tuesday with the much-awaited percussion segment.
