Lucknow: The Babu Banarasi Das University (BBDU) campus kicked off its annual Shri Ganpati Mahotsav 2026 with a grand five-day celebration running from 14th till 18th September 2026. The festival began on Monday morning with the ceremonial installation of the idol of Lord Ganesh, conducted with full Vedic rites by renowned Pandit Rajiv Nayan Upadhyay of Banaras. The inaugural evening’s Chief Guest was Kaushal ji, Prachark, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Awadh Prant, who was welcomed and felicitated with a bouquet and memento by Ms. Alka Das Gupta, Chairperson, BBD Educational Group & Chancellor, BBD University and Mr. Viraj Sagar Das, Pro-Chancellor, BBD University.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Viraj Sagar Das, Pro-Chancellor, Babu Banarasi Das University (BBDU), said, “The Shri Ganpati Mahotsav is not just a religious observance for us but a celebration of the values of community, culture, and togetherness that BBD has always stood for. Bringing our students, faculty, and the wider community together during this festival reflects our belief that holistic education extends beyond the classroom, into the traditions and shared experiences that shape who we are as individuals and as a society.”
The evening was marked by a soul-stirring performance by the celebrated Sadho Band, led by their guru, Dhananjay Shahi, who presented a special devotional set in the increasingly popular “bhajan-clubbing” style; a contemporary fusion of traditional bhajans with modern musical arrangements that has found strong resonance among younger audiences. The band’s original composition, ‘Sumiran Radhey’, emerged as a particular highlight of the evening, drawing thunderous applause from the packed pandal. The evening concluded with a Maha Aarti attended by the Chief Guest along with Ms. Alka Das Gupta, Mr. Viraj Sagar Das (President, BBD Group), and Vice Presidents Ms. Devanshi Das and Ms. Sonakshi Das, who together sought divine blessings for the success of the festival and the well-being of all.
The cultural line-up for the remaining days promises to be equally vibrant, with devotional performances by Padma Shri Anup Jalota on Tuesday, 15th September, cultural presentations by students of the BBD Educational Group on Wednesday, 16th September, and folk music and bhajan performances by Padma Shri Smt. Malini Awasthi on Thursday, 17th September, rounding off a week of devotion, music, and community celebration.
The Shri Ganpati Mahotsav is organised annually under the aegis of the Shri Siddhi Ganesh Mandir Trust, Lucknow, chaired by Mr. R.K. Agarwal, and has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated cultural and spiritual gatherings, bringing together students, staff, and the wider community for an evening of devotion and celebration each day of the festival.