Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (UPSNA) commenced the second phase of its Regional Music Competition on Monday at the Sant Gadge Ji Auditorium, showcasing an impressive range of young classical vocal talent from across the state. The four-day event, being held from December 8 to 11, features competitions in Khyal, Tarana, Dhrupad, Dhamar, Thumri and Dadra across different age categories.
The opening day was dedicated to the Children’s Category, where participants presented classical compositions with remarkable poise and discipline.
Winners Announced: Lucknow’s Arthav Mishra Leads the Khyal–Tarana Category
In the Khyal–Tarana segment,
- Arthav Mishra of Lucknow secured the first position,
- Nancy Deep from Agra came second, and
- Anandmayi Sharma from Jhansi ranked third.
The Thumri–Dadra category saw
- Shauryashree of Ghaziabad clinch first place,
- followed by Ritvika Singh from Vindhyachal in second position.
In Dhrupad–Dhamar,
- Akshat Singh from Ayodhya stood first,
- while Anya Singh from Atarra bagged second place.
Esteemed Jury Praises the Young Talent
The competition was held in the presence of:
- Prof. Jayant Khot, Chairman, UPSNA
- Vibha Singh, Vice Chairperson
- Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar, Director
The invited jury panel included:
- Romil Jain (Khandwa)
- Nabanita Chowdhury (Greater Noida)
- Pt. Radha Govind Das (Delhi)
Judges appreciated the participants for their vocal command and musical understanding, while advising them to further master tanpura coordination and microphone discipline, crucial for stage-ready performances.
The event was coordinated by Renu Srivastava and Dr. Pavan Tiwari, with Rajendra Vishwakarma conducting the stage proceedings with finesse.
An Evening Filled with Rich Raagas
The children’s Khyal–Tarana round opened with an expressive performance by Daivya Gupta from Kanpur, who rendered “Piyarwa Mose Karat Hai Rar” in Raga Pooriya Dhanashree, marked by a confident grip over sargam and aakar.
Performances through the session highlighted a wide palette of classical raagas:
- Harshita Sudarshan (Prayagraj): Raga Darbari Kanada – “Ghar Jaane De Chhaad Mori Bainyan”
- Aastha Sharma (Moradabad): Raga Bihag – “Mero Man Atakyo”
- Khyati Khare (Mirzapur): Raga Bhimpalasi – “Ja Ja Re Apne Mandirwa”
- Nancy Deep (Agra): Raga Durga – “Jai Jai Jai Durge Mata Bhavani”
- Arthav Mishra (Lucknow): Raga Nat Bhairav – “Karo Kripa Mope”
- Sarang Mishra (Varanasi): Raga Bhairav – “Mehr Ki Nazar Keejai”
- Devangana Phani: Raga Yaman – “Sajan Ghar Aaye”
Further notable recitals included:
- Kaustubh Kedia (Gorakhpur): Raga Bhairavi – “Sanwariya Tori Yaad”
- Parth Dua (Meerut): Raga Gaud Sarang – “Dekho Chedo Na Neend Mori”
- Aanchal Gond (Mau): Raga Bhairavi – “Maano Kanhha”
- Anandmayi Sharma (Jhansi): Raga Hameer – “Chhail Chhabeela”
- Khushboo (Banda): Raga Bhimpalasi – “Kaise Kahoon Jiya Ki Baat”
Graceful Presentations in Thumri & Dhrupad
In Thumri–Dadra,
-
Ritvika Singh (Vindhyachal) performed the Thumri “Chhail Rang Dari Gayo”,
-
while Shauryashree (Ghaziabad) impressed with “Piya Bin Jiya Mora” in Raga Pilu.
In Dhrupad–Dhamar, performances by Akshat Singh (Ayodhya) and Anya Singh (Atarra) drew special praise for their depth and clarity.
Rising Participation in Classical Music Across Uttar Pradesh
UPSNA highlighted the growing interest among young musicians in classical forms.
The 2024–25 Golden Jubilee Year of the regional competition saw participation from 900 performers across 18 divisions and 21 centres.
In 2025–26, the number rose to 1,100 participants across 23 centres.
Encouraged by the enthusiasm, the Akademi added two new centres—Lakhimpur and Farrukhabad—this year.
