Lucknow— Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, one of India’s premier institutions dedicated to classical arts, is set to celebrate its Centenary Year with grandeur and cultural brilliance. Marking 100 years of its artistic legacy, the university will host a three-day International Music Conference from December 18 to 20, 2025, featuring some of the nation’s most celebrated artistes across vocal, instrumental and classical dance traditions.
Themed “Indian Cultural Traditions in the Context of Viksit Bharat 2047,” the conference aims to revisit India’s artistic heritage and envision its role in a culturally empowered future.
Day-by-Day Highlights of the Centenary Cultural Festival
18 December – Inaugural Ceremony: A Confluence of Vocal, Instrumental and Dance Traditions
The opening day will feature a spectacular lineup:
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Padma Bhushan Pt. Sajan Mishra, one of India’s foremost classical vocalists, will deliver the inaugural vocal recital.
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The evening session will present a mesmerising dance performance by legendary Bharatanatyam exponent Padma Bhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh and her troupe.
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The night will conclude with a grand sarod recital by Padma Bhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, accompanied by his sons Ayaan Ali Bangash and Amaan Ali Bangash, promising an unforgettable musical experience.
19 December – A Day Dedicated to Dance, Rhythm and Theatre
The second day will celebrate the depth and diversity of classical arts:
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The morning session will honour Kathak, with legendary maestros Pt. Ram Mohan Maharaj, Pt. Jaykishan Maharaj, Pt. Deepak Maharaj and Pt. Tribhuwan Maharaj sharing both their performances and wisdom with students, scholars and young artistes.
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Internationally acclaimed tabla maestro Ustad Akram Khan will present a solo recital and conduct a lecture-demonstration on the nuances of tabla.
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The evening will highlight classical theatre with Padma Shri Prof. Ramn Kendre and his troupe staging a Sanskrit play “Mohe Trapuya,” based on the work of ancient playwright Mahakavi Bhasa.
20 December – A Grand Finale of Rhythm and Melody
The concluding day promises artistic brilliance:
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Morning attractions include tabla virtuoso Shri Sanju Sahai and Kathak maestro Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, who will share their artistic journeys with participants and present enthralling performances.
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Evening performances will feature renowned Odissi danseuse Padma Shri Ranjana Gauhar and her disciples.
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The festival will conclude with a soulful musical evening led by celebrated ghazal singer Padma Shri Hariharan, whose performance is expected to be a highlight of the centenary celebrations.
Centenary Year to Feature Year-Long Cultural and Academic Programmes
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandvi Singh announced that throughout 2026, the university will organise a series of workshops focusing on sculpture, fine arts and performing arts. Alumni meets and multiple cultural festivals will also be held across the year.
Registrar Dr Srishti Dhawan revealed that a special art gallery is being developed to commemorate the 100-year journey of the institution. The gallery will depict the university’s historical milestones and will serve as a bridge connecting future generations with India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
She added that the centenary year will mark an iconic cultural moment for the city of Lucknow — a celebration where music, dance, theatre and creativity converge on an unprecedented scale.
The three-day international conference will be held at the Kala Mandapam Auditorium and the university campus, welcoming art lovers, scholars and students to witness some of India’s finest artistic traditions come alive.
