Lucknow, Aug 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) participated in the 80th Independence Day celebrations held at Secretariat Ground, Lucknow, on 15 August 2026. The grand cultural programme was graced by Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, as the Chief Guest.
The celebrations brought together around 300 artists from different parts of the country, representing Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.
The artists presented a vibrant and beautifully choreographed cultural performance, reflecting the richness of India’s diverse traditions and the spirit of unity in diversity.
The J&K contingent made a special contribution to the presentation by showcasing the rich folk and cultural traditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Through their coordinated and colourful performance, the artists highlighted the distinctive cultural identity of the region while becoming part of a larger national presentation celebrating India’s composite cultural heritage.
The performance of the J&K artists was appreciated by the audience and dignitaries present on the occasion. The participation also provided the Academy with an important national platform to promote the traditional performing arts of Jammu and Kashmir and to strengthen cultural exchanges with artists from different parts of the country.
After the conclusion of the programme, the J&K contingent was invited by Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, for an interaction.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister appreciated the artists from Jammu and Kashmir for their impressive presentation and acknowledged their contribution to the cultural programme. He also ensured the visit of artists to Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.
Harvinder Kour, Secretary, JKAACL, provided overall leadership, coordination and facilitation for the Academy’s participation in the Independence Day celebrations. Under her guidance, the participation of the J&K contingent was effectively coordinated. The cultural troupe was led by Shri Anil Tickoo, Assistant Cultural Officer, JKAACL.
The participating artists from Jammu and Kashmir were Sachin Dhar, Bhoomika Devi, Suhani Devi, Abhi Mehra, Amit Kumar, Sonia Sharma, Khushi Thapa, Smriti Bhardwaj, Ritesh Mehra, Shruti Thakur, Saniya Shaukat, Priyanshu Chib, Vishnupriya, Muskan Dogra and Puran Kumar.
