Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Honors 51 Artistes at SNA Samman Ceremony 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) had honored the 51 distinguished artistes at the SNA Samman Ceremony 2026 which was held in Lucknow. This awards recognized the exceptional contributions to music, dance, theatre and folk arts during the years 2021 to 2024.

51 Artistes Honoured at the SNA Samman Ceremony 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi had organized the prestigious SNA Samman Ceremony 2026 at the Gandhi Auditorium, Jan Bhavan in Lucknow.

The total of 51 artistes were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the,

• Classical Music
• Folk Music
• Dance
• Theatre
• Traditional Folk Arts

The awardees were selected for the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 and recognized their lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the India’s artistic traditions.

Governor Anandiben Patel Highlights the Importance of Cultural Preservation

In her message Governor Anandiben Patel emphasized that the culture is not merely a legacy inherited from the previous generations but it is a responsibility that must be protected and it passed on to the future.

She noted that “Culture is not only an inheritance but also a responsibility.”

The Governor also highlighted that the traditional art forms such as folk songs, folk theatre and classical performances represent the soul of the Indian civilization and help preserve the collective identity across generations.

Traditional Arts Adapting to Modern Platforms

The Governor also highlighted the emergence of innovative cultural formats that connect traditional art with contemporary audiences.

She cited the growing popularity of “Bhajan Clubbing” as an example of how traditional cultural expressions can successfully evolve without losing their original essence.

Such initiatives demonstrate that heritage and innovation can coexist, making traditional arts more accessible and appealing to younger generations.

Government Assures Continued Support for Artists

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak had described the artists as the true custodians of the India’s cultural consciousness.

He reaffirmed the commitment of both the Central Government and the Uttar Pradesh Government to the,

• Promote cultural traditions
• Support folk artists
• Provide institutional assistance
• Create opportunities for artistic growth
• Strengthen cultural infrastructure

He assured the artists that the government would continue providing the necessary resources to help preserve and expand India’s rich artistic heritage.

Distinguished Dignitaries Present at the Ceremony

There are several prominent personalities from the cultural and administrative sectors have attended the event.

Among those present were the,

• Prof. Jayant Khot, Chairman, UP Sangeet Natak Akademi
• Vibha Singh, Vice-Chairperson
• Sanjay Kumar Singh, Special Secretary (Culture)
• Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar, Director of the Akademi