Lucknow: The city’s first art and cultural children’s festival, Bulbule Festival 2025, concluded after a two-day celebration of creativity, play, and discovery at the India Literacy House, Lucknow. Organized by the Swatantra Taleem Foundation, the third edition of the festival once again brought together children, teachers, artists, and educators on a common platform to celebrate imagination and expression.
The festival opened with an array of engaging workshops — from Kathak dance and tabla music to animation and storytelling — creating an atmosphere pulsing with rhythm, curiosity, and learning. The Exploration Zone became the heart of children’s engagement, offering hands-on experiences in puppet-making, science-based “Aha!” experiments, and a history exhibition that traced the evolution of objects — from coins and vehicles to the birth of cinema — through a child’s perspective.
Rahul, co-founder of the Swatantra Taleem Foundation, expressed joy at the spirit of participation:
“It was incredible to see over 600 children playing freely. When asked what they loved most, their answer was simple — ‘free play’. Every child deserves that space to play, explore, and imagine.”
Highlights: Art, Puppetry, and Creative Dialogue
Among the major highlights was the Artist Museum — an experiential, interactive space where children discovered stories and works of artists from India and across the world. The space offered a fresh lens on creativity, imagination, and inspiration.
As the evening descended, the festival came alive with mesmerizing puppet performances — Saplings, JhilMil Junction, Friends Forever — and the much-anticipated Puppet Parade. Each participating school proudly showcased its large bamboo animal puppets, glowing symbols of collective creativity, teamwork, and community spirit.
Teachers also participated in a special workshop titled “Learning Through Puppetry”, conducted by Partha Paul of Burdwan the Puppeteers. The session explored innovative teaching and storytelling methods that merge art with education. At the Kabir Theatre, children’s exhibitions beautifully reflected their growing curiosity, creativity, and a sense of ownership in learning — inspiring teachers to see education as a shared journey.
Partnership for Playful Learning
This year’s edition was organized in collaboration with Bachpan Manao — an initiative of the Bengaluru-based EkStep Foundation. The initiative celebrates learning through play for children aged 0–8 and builds a growing community of over 100 “collab-actors” across India who inspire adults around children to nurture holistic childhood experiences.
Hita Kumar, Director of Policy and Partnerships at EkStep Foundation, said:
“The first eight years of life are deeply enriching — a time of rapid growth, curiosity, and connection with the world. Bachpan Manao is our effort to understand and celebrate this richness and simplicity of early childhood.”
Riddhi, co-founder of the Swatantra Taleem Foundation, added:
“What makes Bulbule Festival unique is its community-driven nature. Teachers, parents, artists, and neighbors all come together with one shared emotion — to create something meaningful for children. It’s a festival by the children and for the children.”
Celebrating Learning Through Play
Bulbule Festival 2025 reaffirmed a simple truth — that children learn best through play. Beyond academics, the festival celebrated holistic development through creativity, social connection, emotional expression, and storytelling.
Vijay, a young volunteer and former student of Swatantra Taleem’s Makerspace, reflected on his journey:
“A few years ago, I studied here. Today, I’m volunteering at the same festival. I’m now pursuing design, and working with children here has been truly inspiring.”
Tabla maestro Tushar, who led the music workshop, shared his perspective on creative learning:
“Children can create music from anything — their hands, feet, even their chest. Their imagination has no limits. Parents should allow children to explore freely. Music and rhythm play a vital role in a child’s all-round development.”
As Bulbule Festival 2025 drew to a close, the venue resonated with laughter, rhythm, and the energy of young creators. The festival stood as a vibrant reminder that when children are seen as thinkers and creators, they not only transform art — they redefine the very meaning of learning.
