Lucknow | The 18th edition of the Dastak Youth Festival commenced at the International Buddha Research Institute, Gomti Nagar, with enthusiastic participation from students, artists, and cultural practitioners from across the city. Celebrating its coming-of-age year, the festival opened with a day marked by dialogue, creativity, and youthful energy, staying true to its theme, “Nature, Environment and Our Uttar Pradesh.”
The festival was formally inaugurated in the presence of participating students and prominent citizens including Shyamu Chaudhary, Amit Mishra, Tahira Rizvi, and Meha Dhaundiyal. The inauguration featured the writing of inspiring messages on panel posters of eminent thinkers and freedom fighters, as well as on specially prepared leaves, symbolically setting the tone for three days of cultural exchange and creative engagement.
The campus remained abuzz throughout the day as students completed registrations, volunteers coordinated events, and artistic installations transformed the venue into a vibrant cultural landscape. Specially designed selfie points and photo booths attracted large crowds, adding to the festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the opening day was the Debate Competition on the topic “AI – Open Threat or Opportunity”. Judged by Meha Dhaundiyal, Tahira Rizvi, and Amit Mishra, the debate witnessed well-researched and thought-provoking arguments that reflected contemporary concerns and the festival’s emphasis on informed youth voices.
Alongside the debate, multiple creative competitions took place across the venue. The Rangoli Competition showcased vibrant, eco-conscious designs and was judged by Mansi Didwania of Kala Srot Art Gallery and Preeti Ahuja. The Creative Installation segment drew significant attention for its innovative use of natural and recycled materials, visually interpreting the festival’s environmental theme.
Adding a literary dimension to the day, the Poetry Writing Competition encouraged young writers to express personal and collective reflections on nature, the environment, and the symbolism of the festival turning eighteen.
The afternoon session featured several skill-based and performance events. The Solo Singing Competition, judged by Rizwan and Nidhi, brought melodic diversity to the festival. Traditional art forms were prominently represented in the Mehndi Competition, where judges Sarita Jaiswal, Nilima Mohan, and Meena Rana appreciated the intricate designs rooted in cultural symbolism.
The day concluded on an engaging note with Bait Bazi, moderated by Arshi Alvi and judged by Dr Sabra Habib, Rehana Ali, and Professor Tabassum Kidwai, celebrating wit, linguistic flair, and poetic spontaneity.
Day One of the Dastak Youth Festival 2026 successfully blended tradition with contemporary expression, reaffirming its position as Lucknow’s oldest student-run youth festival and a vital platform for young voices to engage with culture, environment, and society.
The successful execution of the opening day was supported by the dedicated efforts of volunteers Alok, Yash, Yashit, Mallika, Suyash, Tarun, Virat Yadav, Virat Gupta, Rakesh, Hrishav, Avdhesh, Tanisha, Ananya, and the entire volunteer team.
The festival continues over the next two days with a wide range of competitions and performances. Day Two (February 11) will feature face painting, nukkad natak, extempore, poster making, cartooning, group dance, group singing, ad mad, stand-up comedy, and collage-making competitions.
