Badariya Festival 2026.
The second edition of âBadariya: Monsoon Farewell Festival 2026' was held at the prestigious Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, bringing together leading artists, public figures and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate the folk traditions associated with the monsoon season.
Organised jointly by the Mata Chakeri Devi Foundation and the Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy of the Delhi Government, the festival featured Bharat Express News Network as its official media partner.
Bharat Express News Network CMD and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai, who is also a trustee of the foundation, attended the event along with Union Minister of State and Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, Delhi minister Kapil Mishra and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, among other dignitaries.
The festival celebrated the farewell to the monsoon while showcasing the rich folk traditions of Purvanchal, particularly the songs and musical forms associated with Sawan and Bhadon. More than 20 prominent artists performed Kajri, Thumri and other folk compositions, creating a vibrant cultural evening in the heart of Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, Bharat Express News Network CMD and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai said India is witnessing a golden period in which art and culture continue to reflect the identity of humanity through the mind and soul.
Speaking about India's civilisational resilience, CMD Upendrra Rai said that despite centuries of foreign invasions and the destruction of centres of knowledge such as Takshashila, India's intellectual and cultural consciousness survived.
"Our consciousness and culture cannot be erased; they live in every fibre of our being," CMD Upendrra Rai said, emphasising that knowledge remained embedded in India's collective consciousness and was revived across generations.
CMD Upendrra Rai also said that finding time for cultural traditions in the fast-paced life of metropolitan cities is challenging, making events such as Badariya significant for communities that continue to remain connected with their roots. He described art and compassion as the true identity of humanity.
He appreciated Foundation president Yogita Singh, founder Brijesh Rai, Pawan Rana and all members associated with the festival for their dedication towards taking cultural initiatives forward in metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.
Union Minister of State and Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra said India has one of the world's oldest and richest cultural traditions. He noted that languages and dialects can change every 50-60 kilometres across the country, while the underlying cultural spirit remains connected.
He also highlighted the social work undertaken by the Mata Chakeri Devi Foundation, particularly its efforts to promote self-reliance among disadvantaged sections of society.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari opened the programme with the traditional Devi invocation Pachra, singing "Mayariya Mori Jhuleli Nimiya Ke Daar" and filling the stadium with a devotional atmosphere.
He highlighted the importance of Bhojpuri and Maithili folk traditions and praised CMD Upendrra Rai for his contribution to preserving the cultural identity of the Bhojpuri-speaking community. He also urged people to remain connected with their cultural roots and continue supporting the annual Badariya festival.
Padma Shri awardee Malini Awasthi, Priya Malik, Chandan Tiwari and Rishi Singh were among the more than 20 artists who performed during the festival.
The event also honoured young entrepreneur Aditya Halwasiya, who has built a company valued at Rs 47,000 crore from Rs 8,000, for his connection with his cultural roots and his contribution to the audience through gifts presented during the programme.
Alongside the musical performances, visitors explored stalls featuring traditional monsoon delicacies and a folk-art exhibition, adding to the cultural experience.
The Badariya Festival was launched in 2025, with its first edition held on 1 September 2025 at the NDMC Convention Centre in Connaught Place, New Delhi. The inaugural event was opened with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Bharat Express News Network CMD and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Following the successful first edition, the second edition of Badariya was organised on a larger scale at Talkatora Stadium in 2026.
About Bharat Express News Network
Bharat Express News Network is a news network led by Chairman, Managing Director (CMD) and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai.
With the motto âSatya, Sahas and Samarpan', the network focuses on journalism, nation-building and the promotion of Indian art and culture. It also supports and promotes cultural initiatives and programmes that celebrate India's diverse heritage.
About Badariya And Mata Chakeri Devi Foundation
The Mata Chakeri Devi Foundation works in the fields of social service, women's empowerment and preservation of Indian folk traditions.
Organised with the support of the Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy, Badariya is an annual monsoon farewell festival that seeks to preserve and promote Purvanchal's traditional Sawan-Bhadon songs, Kajri, Thumri and folk-classical traditions among younger generations in modern urban settings.
