Lucknow: The ninth day of the historic Uttarayani Kauthig 2026, held along the Gomti Riverfront in Lucknow, was a spectacular blend of devotion, tradition, and cultural exuberance. This year’s event, marking its Silver Jubilee, gained special significance as the day coincided with the Prana Pratishtha (consecration) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The fusion of Lord Shri Ram’s devotion with the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand left audiences spellbound.
A highlight of the day was the soulful performance of Uttarakhand folk singer Khushi Joshi Digari. With her melodious voice, she recreated the ambiance of the Himalayan valleys, blending traditional folk tunes with devotional rhythms. Her renditions of “Tu Runchi Maiya…” and Ram bhajans enthralled the audience, filling the air with spiritual energy. Folk singer Rakesh Paneru energized the crowd with hits like “Patlot Ki Sunita” and “Meri Himuli Mait Nahto”, engaging the youth in vibrant celebration.
The event also featured music and dance competitions, with groups from various parts of Lucknow performing classical and semi-classical dances dedicated to Shri Ram. Performances included bhajans such as “Deep Jalao, Mangal Gao, Ram Aaye Hain Ayodhya”, “Mangal Bhavan Amangal Haari”, and “Shri Ram Chandra Kripalu Bhajuman”, presented by the Shanta Group, Veena Vardayani Group, Brahmakamal Cultural Committee, Mandakini Bahuguna Group, and Ekam Shrijan Group, among others. The competitions were coordinated by Cultural In-charge Mahendra Pant and Secretary Govind Bora, with judging by Akanksha Anand, Kirti Rana, and Aditi Thapliyal.
The celebrations also included honor ceremonies. Former Minister Anant Mishra ‘Antu’ graced the first session as chief guest, while Professor and former Cabinet Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi inaugurated the second session by lighting the ceremonial lamp, noting that the festival presents a “mini Uttarakhand” in Lucknow. The Govind Nayal Social Service Award was conferred upon former councilor Narendra Devdi for exemplary public service, while Himanshu Bhatt was recognized for his contributions to the hill community.
Youth engagement was highlighted with the “Mr. and Miss Uttarayani” competition, crowning Parija as Miss Uttarayani and Neeraj as Mr. Uttarayani, coordinated by Youth Cell President Pushkar Nayal and General Secretary Jitendra Upadhyay. Traditional competitions like “Pahad Ki Awaaz” and “Chapeli” showcased emerging artists such as Deepak Porwal, Pankaj Warangi, and Lalita Joshi, and teams from Munsiyari and Gomti Nagar connected audiences to Uttarakhand’s folk roots.
Uttarayani Kauthig 2026’s ninth day reaffirmed that the festival is more than a fair—it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and values. The successful event was made possible through the efforts of President Ganesh Joshi, Coordinator K.N. Chandola, Patron N.K. Upadhyay, and Dr. R.C. Pant.
