Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honored 261 folk artistes from 10 states who performed on Republic Day-2026. He described the cultural spirit of “Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat” and “Developed India-Developed Uttar Pradesh” as strong.
Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday honored the artists who participated in the 77th Republic Day celebrations at his official residence. These artists came from different states of the country and gave beautiful presentations of their respective folk art, folk dance and cultural traditions.
The Chief Minister said that in accordance with the spirit of “Ek Bharat – Shrestha Bharat”, on the occasion of Republic Day-2026, guest artists from different states reached Uttar Pradesh with the fragrance of their folk culture. The artists of Uttar Pradesh gave a grand presentation to the cultural presentation based on the theme “Developed India-Developed Uttar Pradesh”.
Conversation with artists and invitation to visit Uttar Pradesh
During the felicitation ceremony, the Chief Minister personally interacted with the artists, praised their performances and also invited them to visit historical and cultural places of Uttar Pradesh. The artists expressed happiness after meeting the Chief Minister, expressed their gratitude to him and praised the good governance of the Uttar Pradesh government.
Uttar Pradesh: Land of spiritual, cultural and communal harmony
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Uttar Pradesh, along with being the most populous state in the country, is a land of spiritual, religious and cultural heritage. People from Tamil Nadu to Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal to Gujarat, Maharashtra and Sikkim come here. The language, costumes and traditions may be different, but the feeling of all is the same. This strengthens the concept of “One India – Best India”.
Cultural participation of North Eastern states became inspiration
Making special mention of Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the Chief Minister said that these states have now completely joined the mainstream of development. The participation of 28 artists from Tripura in the Republic Day Parade is a living example of the cultural unity of the country. It is highly commendable to travel such a long distance to participate in a national festival.
Bhatkhande Sanskriti University will have to fulfill the responsibility of national coordination.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Bhatkhande Culture University is the first university in Uttar Pradesh which is dedicated to art and culture. It should be the responsibility of the university to prepare joint presentations with artists from different states during national festivals, Deepotsav, Uttar Pradesh Day and other important events. He said that small but effective presentations should be developed by combining Birha of Purvanchal, Ramkatha of Awadh, Krishnaleela of Braj, Alha of Bundelkhand and other folk arts.
Special message to the artists of Mathura, Prayagraj and Ayodhya
The Chief Minister urged the artists of Mathura to keep their cultural traditions alive. He told the artists of Prayagraj that Magh Mela has now taken a huge form like Kumbh and there should be a comprehensive presentation of folk arts there.
He appealed to the artists of Ayodhya to give national recognition to the art of Ayodhya by performing regularly in Deepotsav and to do joint staging with the artists of other states. The Chief Minister said that folk art and culture are the soul of India and joint presentations strengthen national unity and cultural harmony.
Grand presentation of folk arts in Republic Day celebration
The Chief Minister said that in the Republic Day celebrations, conch blowing, Damru playing, Badhawa, Peacock dance and Dhedhiya dance by the artists of Uttar Pradesh mesmerized the audience. Kathak dance presented by the students of Bhatkhande Cultural University made the program more dignified.
In presentations from other states-
- Badhaai dance from Madhya Pradesh
- Legium from Maharashtra
- Rauf from Jammu and Kashmir
- Sikkim to Tamang Selo
- Talwar Ras from Gujarat
Apart from this, folk artistes from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh brought alive the concept of “Developed India-Developed Uttar Pradesh” through Biju dance, Singpho and Nisi tribal dances.
Instructions to provide facilities to artists to visit Ayodhya
The Chief Minister interacted with the representatives of each art group and said that when they come to Uttar Pradesh, they must visit the major tourist places of the state. A group expressed their desire to go to Ayodhya, on which the Chief Minister directed the officials to ensure complete arrangements for the travel of any artist who wants to go to Ayodhya.
261 artists from 18 art groups from 10 states honored
On this occasion, 261 artists from 18 art groups from 10 states including Uttar Pradesh were honored. These included artists from West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim and Tripura.
Honored Art Groups
- Singhpo Cultural Troupe: Arunachal Pradesh
- Nishi Cultural Troupe: Arunachal Pradesh
- Jhinjhiya Dance Form: Bihar
- Raut Nacha: Chhattisgarh
- Shield Sword Raas: Gujarat
- Rauf Dance: Jammu Kashmir
- Badhaai Folk Dance: Madhya Pradesh
- Legium: Maharashtra
- Tamang Selo: Sikkim
- Bengali Folk Dance: Tripura
- Tribal Dance Form: Tripura
- Bhatkhande University of Culture (Kathak): Uttar Pradesh
- Badhawa Folk Dance: Ayodhya
- Faroowahi Folk Dance: Ayodhya
- Shankhwadan Group: Mathura
- Mayur Folk Dance: Mathura
- Dhedhiya Folk Dance: Prayagraj
- Choreography Team: Delhi