Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured folk artists from across the country who participated in the 77th Republic Day celebrations, stating that their performances powerfully reinforced the spirit of “Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India). The felicitation ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s official residence, where artists from 10 states were acknowledged for their vibrant cultural contributions.
A total of 261 artists from 18 cultural groups, representing Uttar Pradesh and nine other states, took part in the Republic Day cultural programmes, presenting a grand showcase of India’s folk dances and traditional art forms. The performances formed a key part of the thematic presentation “Viksit Bharat–Viksit Uttar Pradesh” (Developed India–Developed Uttar Pradesh).
Interacting warmly with the artists, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised their talent, dedication, and role in strengthening national unity through cultural expression. He also invited them to explore Uttar Pradesh’s cultural and tourist destinations. The artists expressed happiness at the interaction, thanked the Chief Minister for the honour, and appreciated the state government’s efforts in promoting art, culture, and good governance.
Uttar Pradesh: The Cultural Heartland of India
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Uttar Pradesh is not only India’s most populous state but also a land deeply rooted in spiritual, religious, and cultural heritage. “People from Tamil Nadu to Jammu and Kashmir, from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Sikkim visit Uttar Pradesh. Though languages, art forms, and traditions may differ, the underlying emotion remains one — Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat,” he said.
Inspiration from the North-East’s Development Journey
Referring to Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, CM Yogi noted that the northeastern states are now firmly connected to the national development mainstream. He highlighted the participation of 28 artists from Tripura in the Republic Day parade as a living example of India’s cultural unity. “Traveling such long distances to be part of the celebrations reflects deep national commitment and cultural harmony,” he remarked.
Role of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya
The Chief Minister emphasized that Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Uttar Pradesh’s first university dedicated exclusively to arts and culture, must play a coordinating role in bringing together artists from different regions. He suggested that on national festivals, Deepotsav, Uttar Pradesh Day, and other major events, joint performances should be curated featuring folk traditions such as Purvanchal’s Birha, Awadh’s Ramkatha, Braj’s Krishnaleela, Bundelkhand’s Alha, and other regional art forms in compact yet impactful presentations.
Special Message to Artists from Mathura, Prayagraj and Ayodhya
CM Yogi urged artists from Mathura to keep their cultural traditions alive and vibrant. Addressing artists from Prayagraj, he said the Magh Mela has grown into an event comparable to the Kumbh, offering vast scope for showcasing folk arts. To artists from Ayodhya, he appealed for regular performances during Deepotsav to give Ayodhya’s art forms national recognition and encouraged joint productions with artists from other states.
He reiterated that folk art and culture represent the soul of India, and collaborative performances from multiple states strengthen cultural unity, diversity, and harmony.
Cultural Brilliance at Republic Day Celebrations
The Chief Minister noted that performances by Uttar Pradesh artists — including conch shell playing, damru recitals, Badhava, Mayur, and Dhedhiya folk dances — mesmerized audiences during the Republic Day celebrations. Kathak performances by students of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya added further grace to the programme.
Artists from other states also enriched the cultural spectacle, including Badhai dance from Madhya Pradesh, Lezim from Maharashtra, Rouf from Jammu and Kashmir, Tamang Selo from Sikkim, and Talwar Raas from Gujarat. Folk artists from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh presented Bijju dance, Singpho and Nyishi tribal dances, bringing alive the cultural vision of “Viksit Bharat–Viksit Uttar Pradesh.”
Artists to Visit Ayodhya
During interactions with group leaders, CM Yogi encouraged artists to visit key tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh. When one group expressed a desire to visit Ayodhya, the Chief Minister directed officials to make full arrangements for all interested artists to tour the sacred city.
261 Artists from 10 States Felicitated
Artists from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, and Tripura were honoured during the event.
Cultural Groups Felicitated Included:
Singpho Cultural Troupe, Nyishi Cultural Troupe (Arunachal Pradesh); Jhijhiya Dance (Bihar); Raut Nacha (Chhattisgarh); Dhal Talwar Raas (Gujarat); Rouf Dance (Jammu & Kashmir); Badhai Folk Dance (Madhya Pradesh); Lezim (Maharashtra); Tamang Selo (Sikkim); Bengali and Tribal Folk Dances (Tripura); Kathak by Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya; Badhava and Faruahi Folk Dances (Ayodhya); Shankh Vadan and Mayur Dance (Mathura); Dhedhiya Folk Dance (Prayagraj); and a choreography team from Delhi.
The ceremony stood as a vibrant celebration of India’s unity in diversity, reaffirming culture as a powerful bridge connecting states, traditions, and people under the shared national spirit of “Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat.”
