Uttar Pradesh is set to host a three-day ‘Rashmirathi Festival’ to commemorate 75 years of Rashmirathi, the iconic work of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. The festival is being positioned as a large-scale blend of literature, performing arts, and intellectual engagement, backed by strong political presence.
The announcement was made during a press conference by state agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi at Lok Bhavan on Saturday. The event will be held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan from April 24 to 26, with chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expected to be chief guests.
The festival will prominently feature theatrical productions and a dance-drama based on India’s historical and philosophical icons. The opening day will showcase a play on ‘Rashmirathi’, depicting the life and struggles of Karna. On April 25, a play on Swami Vivekananda will be staged, reflecting his ideas and his visits to Lucknow. There will also be plays on Bal Gangadhar Tilak and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, along with a dance-drama, ‘Atal Swar Anjali’.
Around 60 artistes from Mumbai and Himachal Pradesh will participate, making it a diverse and collaborative cultural effort.
Officials have sent nearly 1,100 invitation cards to distinguished personalities across the country, including members of the judiciary, academia, and literary circles. Free entry passes will also be made available online to ensure public participation.
Additional chief secretary (tourism, culture and religious affairs) Amrit Abhijat said the festival aims to bring together different sections of society through a shared cultural platform that combines art, literature, and dialogue. Free tickets to the main events will be available on Book my Show.
A cultural vision
The event will also include seminars on literature, culture, and Indian philosophy, along with the launch of a commemorative publication titled ‘Rashmirathi Samvad’, focusing on the contemporary relevance of Dinkar’s work.
Officials describe the festival as part of a broader effort to revive interest in classical literature through modern formats such as theatre and public discourse. “With its mix of performances, discussions, and participation from national leaders, the ‘Rashmirathi Festival’ is expected to become one of Lucknow’s most significant cultural events this year,” Abhijat said.
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