Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show-2026 will showcase the state’s cultural diversity alongside its industrial and business strengths, officials said.Cultural programmes during the event will feature artistes from different regions of the state, along with performers from outside UP. The event has 25 cultural programmes lined up.Playback singer Monali Thakur will headline one of the evenings, while Padma Shri sitar player Pt Shivnath Mishra will perform on another.Other programmes will include Kathak, pakhawaj recital, Alha singing, Rai folk dance, Tharu tribal dance, bhajan and Sufi music.The opening evening will begin with ‘shankh vadan’ (conch blowing) and swasti vachan (invocation), followed by folk and classical performances.Artists from Mathura, Lucknow, Jhansi, Rae Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit and other regions will feature across the five-day programme.Performances by Banda Bairagi Band, Sarvatra Band and choreographer Shriram Sankhla’s Colors of India are also scheduled.Officials said the cultural programme was intended to provide local artists a platform while presenting the state’s folk and classical traditions to visitors attending the international trade event.Officials said the cultural programme was intended to provide local artistes a platform while presenting the state’s folk and classical traditions to visitors attending the international trade event.
