AMRITSAR: Guru Nanak Dev University inaugurated its three-day annual cultural festival “Jashan-2026” with great enthusiasm on the campus. Students from various departments of the university are participating in the festival, showcasing their diverse talent and creative abilities. Participants are competing in a wide range of cultural, literary, drama, fine arts and other creative activities. This collective participation reflects the inclusive spirit of the university and promotes inter-departmental bonding among students.
Addressing students during the inaugural function, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. (Dr.) Harvinder Singh Saini urged them to fully enjoy the festival and learn from both victories and defeats in various competitions. He said that students should make these days memorable so that they remain “golden moments” of their lives.
Highlighting the importance of such events, he remarked that cultural festivals play a significant role in student life as they contribute not only to entertainment but also to overall personality development. He also appreciated the enthusiasm among students, stating that such spirit motivates them to achieve success in life.
Registrar Prof. (Dr.) K.S. Chahal, who attended as the special guest, said that such cultural events are essential for the holistic development of students. He encouraged them to showcase their artistic talents and give their best in every activity. He added that the festival provides an excellent platform for students to hone their skills and prove their abilities. He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, under whose guidance the university continues to scale new heights. He noted that events like “Jashan” help strengthen cultural values, Punjabi heritage and a sense of community among students.
Dean Students’ Welfare, Prof. (Dr.) Satnam Singh Deol said the university consistently provides opportunities for students to excel not only academically but also in cultural and creative pursuits, helping in their overall personality development. He informed that the festival commenced with competitions such as Bhangra, skit and choreography. Performances including Giddha, western group dance, creative dance, mimicry and nautanki will also be major attractions. He further said that competitions in Shabad Bhajan, Geet-Ghazal and folk songs were held at the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre, while poetry recitation and extempore contests took place in the Conference Hall.
On April 3, events such as mimicry, nautanki, western group dance and creative group dance will be held at Dashmesh Auditorium. The Golden Jubilee Convention Centre will host instrumental (percussion and non-percussion), western vocal solo and short film-making competitions. Fine arts contests including poster-making, rangoli, collage, painting, photography and mehndi will be organised at Sangat Hall. On the concluding day, April 4, debate and quiz competitions will be held in the Conference Hall, while Giddha and Dance to Tune performances will take place at Dashmesh Auditorium. The festival will culminate with a prize distribution ceremony.
Among others present on the occasion were Prof. (Dr.) Ravinder Kumar, Prof. (Dr.) Balbir Singh, Dr. Gagandeep Gahley, Dr. Parambir Singh Malhi, Sh. Praveen Puri, S. Harvinder Singh and other team members.