Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh  Jan 29 :The inaugural edition of Udeesha 2026 Moradabad Literature Festival concluded on a resounding high on January 27, emerging as one of the most successful cultural events ever hosted in the city. Spanning six days across multiple venues, the festival witnessed packed halls, standing ovations, and overwhelming public participation firmly placing Moradabad on India’s cultural map.

Hosted at Dushyant Manch, Ramganga Lawns, Jaun Elia Zone, Bhikhari Thakur Manch, Spandan Sarovar, and Sharda Mandap, Udeesha 2026 transformed the city into a vibrant hub of literary discourse, music, theatre, and artistic exchange. Thousands attended sessions and performances daily, making the festival a true people’s celebration. From early-morning workshops to late-night concerts and Mushairas, the festival seamlessly blended classical heritage with contemporary creativity.

The presence of nationally acclaimed writers, poets, filmmakers, journalists, performing artists, senior administrators, educationists, and cultural leaders lent both prestige and gravitas to the event.

Day One opened ceremonially at Dushyant Manch with leading cultural figures and dignitaries. A standout afternoon session, “Moradabad ke Sangeet Gharane,” featuring Ustad Gulam Abbas Khan and Sunanda Sharma, drew a full house at Ramganga Lawns. Actor-author Ashutosh Rana captivated audiences with his session on theatre and cinema, followed by a visually stunning Light and Sound Show at Spandan Sarovar. The opening night Star Concert by Sukhwinder Singh, highlighted by his iconic rendition of “Chal Chhaiyya Chhaiyya,” became one of the festival’s biggest crowd-pullers.

Day Two sustained the momentum with theatre workshops led by Swati Goyal, Ashish Pandey, and Pooja Rawat, attracting young aspirants in large numbers. Literary sessions saw exceptional footfall, particularly legendary poet Wasim Barelvi’s session, “Jahan Rahega Wahin Roshni Lutaayega.” Bhojpuri icon and parliamentarian Manoj Tiwari added star appeal, while classical maestro Pandit Sajan Mishra’s recital received a standing ovation.

Day Three showcased Udeesha’s intellectual depth, with engaging panels on creative writing, mental health, radio culture, and Urdu ghazal traditions. Senior journalist Saurabh Dwivedi’s session on journalism in the social media era became one of the most discussed events. Bestselling author Chetan Bhagat’s interaction, “Gen Z ki Kahaniyan,” filled Dushyant Manch beyond capacity. The evening Star Night Concert by Sona Mohapatra, featuring “Ambarsariya,” turned into a musical highlight.

Day Four featured acclaimed sessions including Akshat Gupta’s talk on “Hidden Hindu: Dev, Danav aur Manav,” and engaging conversations on Indian cinema with actor Manoj Joshi and filmmaker Anusha Rizvi. Cultural performances by the Niyazi Brothers (Qawwali) and Sanjay Upadhyay’s “Bidesiya” drew diverse audiences. The grand Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan, featuring renowned poets such as Azm Shakri, Nawaz Deobandi, Shariq Kaifi, Ayesha Ayyub, and Popular Meeruthi, emerged as one of the festival’s most defining moments.

Day Five continued the festival’s winning streak with workshops, Dastangoi, and thought-provoking panels on Indian knowledge traditions, women’s voices, and the future of theatre. The session “Kahani, Kirdar aur Cinema,” featuring Gulshan Grover, Madhur Bhandarkar, and Virendra Saxena, drew a packed audience. The grand finale by poet and orator Kumar Vishwas, presenting “Apne Apne Ram,” brought the festival to an emotional and unforgettable close with a prolonged standing ovation.

Speaking at the conclusion, the organisers said the festival’s success exceeded all expectations. “The unprecedented participation, packed venues, and warmth of Moradabad’s citizens have made Udeesha 2026 a historic cultural milestone. This festival will now grow into a lasting movement for literature and the arts,” they said.

With record attendance, seamless organisation, and a stellar line-up of artists and thinkers, Udeesha 2026 has set a new benchmark for literary and cultural festivals in Uttar Pradesh, igniting renewed cultural pride in Moradabad and promising an even grander edition in the years ahead.