Lucknow: The magic of Sawan came alive in Lucknow as women dressed in vibrant shades of green, adorned with mehendi, alta and fragrant gajras, danced to the soulful rhythms of traditional Kajri and Sawan songs at Udaan Sawan Utsav 2026.
Organised by social and cultural organisation Udaan at Hotel The Golden Apple in Mahanagar on Sunday evening, the festive celebration recreated the timeless charm of the monsoon season through music, dance and the colourful traditions associated with Sawan.
The atmosphere was reminiscent of a traditional monsoon celebration, with the imagery of swings, henna, flowers and green attire setting the mood. The highlight came when women performed an expressive dance to the popular Kajri “Hare Rama Rimjhim Barse Paniya, Jhule Radha Raniya Hindorna”, filling the venue with the spirit of the rainy season and evoking the romance of Radha-Krishna and the traditional Sawan swing.
The event was inaugurated by Dr Babita Singh Chauhan, Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Commission for Women, along with distinguished guests including senior folk dancer Sarita Singh, Bindu Bora, Dr Malavika Hariom, councillor Kalpana Verma, Adhya Srivastava and Sunaina Chaudhary, who jointly lit the ceremonial lamp.
The cultural programme opened with a graceful devotional presentation by Adhira Yadav on “Gaiye Ganpati Shri Vandan”. The performance paid tribute to Lord Ganesha and set a devotional and celebratory tone for the evening.
The festive mood soon shifted to the traditional sounds of Malhar. Savita Kanojia, Shikha Pandey, Ritika Saxena, Ambika Kanojia, Poonam Yadav and Sarika enthralled the audience with a dance performance on “Malhar Mein Gaungi, Mere Aaye Sanwariya, Amwa Pe Jhoola Dalwaungi, Mere Aaye Sanwariya.”
The celebration continued with a lively performance on “Jhoolungi Jhoola Umang Bhare Man Se, Aayenge Sajan Sakhi Ri Sawan Mein,” presented by Beenu Yadav, Kalpana, Piyali, Kavita, Abha Srivastava, Shweta Arya, Shalini and Neelam Singh.
Adding a dramatic monsoon touch to the evening, Khushboo, Archana, Abha, Shalini, Neeraj, Mamta Arora, Ritika, Bharti, Pratibha, Kiran, Neerja, Amrita, Kavita, Pratima, Nisha, Kalpana, Sunita Gupta, Anita, Shikha, G.K. Babu and Pooja Pandey performed to “Ghanan Ghanan Ghir Ghir Aaye Badra,” recreating through movement the arrival of dark rain clouds and the anticipation of the monsoon.
The Sawan spirit continued with an elaborate group presentation on “Raghuvar Jhool Rahe Apni Umang Mein, Siya Ji Ke Sang Mein.” Seema, Poonam Gupta, Neetu, Pratibha Shah, Hemlata, Geetu, Akki, Sangeeta Dev, Goli, Kirti Singh, Rekha, Riya, Sharmila, Sherry, Anju, Soni Verma, Sumati Gupta, Roli, Savita Yadav, Shilpi, Priyanka, Madhuri, Nandini, Pinky, Beenu, Rekha, Dipali, Aradhana, Sheetal, Shashi, Vini, Jyoti and Pari brought the devotional and festive imagery of Sawan to life through their coordinated performance.
The evening reached another high point with a captivating presentation on “Aaya Sawan Bada Man Bhavan, Sawan Ki Pade Phuhar, Radha Jhool Rahi Kanha Sang Mein.” Mohini Dhapola, Suman Manral, Preeti, Rosie, Piyushika, Saroj Khulbe, Sarika, Aarti, Vishakha, Jhanvi, Ritesh, Lata, Rita Yadav and Rinku won appreciation with their energetic and expressive performance.
Through its succession of folk songs and traditional dances, the event celebrated the cultural richness of Sawan while bringing together women in an atmosphere of joy, camaraderie and festive spirit. The performances not only showcased artistic talent but also revived the imagery and traditions associated with the monsoon season in North Indian culture.
The programme was conducted by Manish Pandit, while Narendra Yadav delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the guests, performers and everyone who contributed to making Udaan Sawan Utsav 2026 a memorable celebration of music, dance and tradition.
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