Lucknow: A vibrant celebration of art, culture, literature, and social commitment is set to unfold in the state capital as Laxmanpuri Festival 2026 will be held on June 18, 2026, at the auditorium of the International Buddhist Research Institute, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. The festival is being jointly organized by the International Buddhist Research Institute, Badlav: Ek Kadam Shiksha Ki Ore, and Kala Karwan.
The cultural extravaganza aims to showcase Lucknow’s rich heritage while bringing together eminent artists, writers, educators, social workers, culture enthusiasts, and students under one roof.
Prestigious Honours to Be Conferred
Festival Convenor Somnath Kashyap announced that renowned theatre veteran and actor Padma Shri Dr. Anil Rastogi will be honoured with the Laxmanpuri Gaurav Samman, while celebrated author and folk literature exponent Padma Shri Vidya Bindu Singh will receive the Rani Lakshmibai Prerna Samman.
Other recipients of the Laxmanpuri Gaurav Samman include senior journalist Shyam Kumar, entrepreneur Yawar Ali Shah, and social worker and Rotary Club Assistant Governor Praveen Kumar Mittal.
The Rani Lakshmibai Prerna Samman will also be presented to educationist Roma Bachani, educator Dr. Anita Mishra, and actress Manisha Mehra for their notable contributions in their respective fields.
Creative Competitions for Children
As part of the festival, a Painting and Clay Modelling Competition will be organized for children aged 6 to 17 years from 2 p.m. onwards. Trainers from the State Lalit Kala Akademi will guide participants, and all children taking part will receive certificates of appreciation for their creative efforts.
Eminent Guests to Attend
Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh is expected to attend the event as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests will include Ratishankar Tripathi, Chairman of the Bharatendu Natya Academy; Sunil Vishwakarma, Chairman of the State Lalit Kala Akademi; Devendra Tripathi, Secretary of the Lalit Kala Akademi; and Kumkum Dhar, Chairperson of the Birju Maharaj Kathak Institute, among other prominent figures from the fields of music, literature, and culture.
Unique Cultural Presentations
One of the festival’s highlights will be a first-of-its-kind musical Dastangoi titled “Lakshman Gatha,” dedicated to Lord Lakshman, after whom Lucknow is believed to have derived its name. The performance will be presented by acclaimed storytellers Arshana Azmat and RJ Prateek.
Another major attraction will be the grand staging of “Kanha Se Dwarkadheesh,” a theatrical production written, directed, and musically composed by noted theatre personality and SNA Awardee Amit Dixit Ramji. Featuring nearly 50 artists, the production promises a spectacular visual and cultural experience.
The festival will also feature a musical dance-drama on Lord Gautam Buddha, choreographed and directed by renowned Kathak guru Dr. Upasana Dixit, blending spirituality with classical artistic expression.
Celebrating Lucknow’s Living Legacy
Organizers say the festival seeks to strengthen cultural awareness among younger generations while honouring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, arts, education, and public life. Through performances, awards, competitions, and storytelling, Laxmanpuri Festival 2026 aims to reaffirm Lucknow’s identity as a vibrant centre of culture, creativity, and intellectual heritage.
