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National Youth Festival & Viksit J&K Young Leaders Dialogue to celebrate talent, creativity and nation-building spirit from May 11ā13
SRINAGAR: In a grand initiative aimed at empowering the younger generation and nurturing innovation, leadership and cultural excellence, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) J&K is organizing AAROHAN 2026, a flagship youth extravaganza under the banner of the National Youth Festival 2026 and Viksit J&K Young Leaders Dialogue, from 11th to 13th May 2026 at the prestigious SKICC Srinagar.
Carrying the inspiring theme āWhere Youth Power Meets Innovationā and the motivating tagline āRise, Shine and Conquer,ā the three-day mega event is poised to emerge as one of the most significant youth celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing together the vibrant youth of the country on a common platform of talent, creativity, innovation, culture, leadership and intellectual exchange.
The Honāble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir will inaugurate the festival as the Chief Guest, while the Honāble Minister for Sports, Government of J&K, will grace the valedictory function as the Chief Guest.
AAROHAN 2026 reflects the aspirations, dynamism and transformative potential of Indiaās youth. The festival has been conceptualized to provide meaningful opportunities for youth engagement by seamlessly integrating cultural brilliance, technological innovation, intellectual expression, leadership development and social participation into one grand celebration.
The very name āAAROHAN,ā meaning ascending or rising, symbolizes the journey of young minds towards excellence, empowerment, self-discovery and nation-building. Events of such magnitude play a pivotal role in channelizing the immense energy of youth towards constructive and progressive activities while fostering confidence, discipline, unity, healthy competition, social harmony and a spirit of collective growth.
The official logo of AAROHAN 2026 beautifully portrays the cultural richness, natural splendor and youthful spirit of Jammu and Kashmir. Incorporating artistic depictions of music, dance, dialogue, majestic mountains, heritage architecture and the national tricolour, the logo symbolizes peace, unity, creativity, diversity and progress. The tagline āRise, Shine and Conquerā further reflects the determination and ambition of the youth to excel, inspire and lead from the front.
The festival is expected to witness enthusiastic participation from students of schools, colleges and universities, alongside young innovators, emerging leaders, youth clubs and community organizations from across the country. The event will also host sports and cultural contingents, artists, performers, coaches, mentors, educators, government officials and distinguished guests.
AAROHAN 2026 will feature an exciting lineup of activities and competitions including dance competitions, singing performances, hackathon challenges, PPT presentation contests, youth leadership dialogues, literary and cultural activities, interactive sessions and multiple talent showcase platforms. Participants of the National Youth Festival arriving from different parts of the country will also be taken on a special Kashmir Darshan, offering them an opportunity to experience the scenic beauty, culture and heritage of the Valley.
The inclusion of Hackathon and PPT competitions highlights the Directorateās vision of integrating innovation, creativity and intellectual engagement into youth development initiatives. These platforms are specifically designed to encourage problem-solving abilities, communication skills, teamwork, leadership qualities and innovative thinking among the participants.
Special emphasis will also be laid on promoting leadership values, cultural preservation, healthy lifestyles, social responsibility and constructive youth participation in shaping a progressive society. Through dialogue, creativity and healthy competition, AAROHAN 2026 aims to inspire young individuals to actively contribute towards the vision of a progressive, empowered and developed Jammu and Kashmir.
The Directorate of Youth Services and Sports J&K has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the event. With its diverse blend of innovation, culture, talent and leadership, AAROHAN 2026 is expected to emerge as a landmark youth festival celebrating unity, creativity and the limitless potential of the younger generation.


