Delhi’s Talkatora Indoor Stadium resonated with folk music, Kajri and the spirit of Purvanchal on Monday evening, August 31, 2026.
The occasion was Badariya: A Monsoon Farewell Festival 2026, organised jointly by the Mata Chakeri Devi Foundation and the Delhi Government’s Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy.
Bharat Express CMD and Editor-in-Chief, and Foundation trustee Upendrra Rai, attended the event and addressed the gathering. He highlighted the bond between bustling city life and India’s folk heritage.
CMD Upendrra Rai said Badariya helps preserve traditions in metropolitan life. He explained that the festival shows Delhi how people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar bid farewell to Sawan, Lord Shiva’s beloved month.
“In the rush of cities, finding time for culture is extremely difficult. Yet, your gathering here on a Monday evening reflects the depth of our cultural consciousness. This programme tells Delhi how our people in villages and communities weave the joy of the rainy season and Sawan into songs before bidding it farewell,” he stated.
More than 20 nationally acclaimed artists performed at Badariya 2026. Padma Shri Malini Awasthi captivated audiences with thumri, kajri, and folk melodies.
Priya Mallik, Chandan Tiwari, Indian Idol-famed Rishi Singh, Samriddh Pathak, and Satvik Pathak added Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Awadhi songs. Kathak-Raas and traditional folk dances featured.
Badariya began in 2025 at Central Park, Connaught Place. Its first edition on September 1, 2025, drew Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Cultural Minister Kapil Mishra and other dignitaries.
CMD Upendrra Rai welcomed the Chief Minister and helped establish the tradition.
After its strong debut, Badariya expanded to Talkatora Stadium in 2026.
The festival now blends heritage, cuisine and honours, reaffirming that modern life cannot sever people from their soil and cultural identity.
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