UP Sangeet Natak Akademi Regional Music Competition Prize Distribution Held in Lucknow
Lucknow | Under the Ullas Utsav organised by the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Prize Distribution Ceremony of the Regional Classical and Light Music Competition 2025–26 was held on Wednesday at the Sant Gadge Ji Auditorium of the Akademi. The event was organised in the august presence of eminent academicians, cultural administrators, artists, and award-winning participants.
The ceremony was graced by Vice-Chancellor of Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Sanjay Singh, as the Chief Guest. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest along with UP Sangeet Natak Akademi President Jayant Khot, Vice President Vibha Singh, Secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi Regional Centre, Lucknow, Devendra Kumar Tripathi, and Director Shobhit Kumar Nahar. Following the formal welcome, prizes were distributed to the winners of various categories.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Singh emphasised that effective music is not achieved by notes and rhythm alone; emotion (bhav) plays an equally vital role. He stated that Indian music is not merely a medium of entertainment but a form of spiritual practice capable of elevating the human soul. Highlighting the depth of Indian classical traditions, he said that ragas are associated not only with specific seasons but also with prescribed times of performance. Referring to ancient beliefs and legends, he remarked that Indian music bears testimony to the power of ragas to influence nature itself. He stressed the importance of regular riyaaz, physical well-being, and mental discipline for becoming a successful musician, adding that Indian music inherently integrates scientific principles.
President of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, Jayant Khot, informed that the year 2024–25 marked the Golden Jubilee of the divisional classical music competitions, during which light music forms such as ghazal and bhajan were also included. He said that competitions were held across 21 centres in 18 divisions, with around 900 participants. In the 2025–26 edition, competitions expanded to 23 centres across 18 divisions, witnessing enthusiastic participation from nearly 1,100 artists. Due to increasing interest, Lakhimpur and Farrukhabad were added as new centres.
He further explained that the competition was conducted in three age categories—junior, adolescent, and youth—and covered a wide range of disciplines including vocal music, instrumental music, percussion, dance (Kathak), and light music forms such as bhajan and ghazal.
Vice President Vibha Singh, in her address, said that artists keep the soul of Indian culture alive. Art connects society, awakens thought, and reinforces human values. She praised the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi for serving as a bridge between tradition and modernity, adding that true joy of life resides in the arts.
The ceremony concluded with appreciation for participants and reaffirmation of the Akademi’s commitment to nurturing cultural talent across the state.
