Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to witness one of its largest youth gatherings as UMANG 2026, a mega youth festival organised by The Art of Living in association with Sri Sri University and in collaboration with the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Government of Odisha, brings together approximately 15,000 students from across the state.
The event is also supported by the Department of Higher Education, Skill Development and Technical Education, and the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha.
The event will be graced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and feature an address by internationally renowned spiritual leader, humanitarian and youth icon Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Coinciding with International Students’ Day, the festival will be held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on November 17.
The event will also be attended by Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture; and Sampad Charan Swain, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha.
Designed as a vibrant celebration of youth, UMANG 2026 aims to inspire young people to embrace positivity, purpose, responsibility and conscious living. At a time when substance abuse is emerging as a serious concern among young people, the festival places particular emphasis on informed choices, youth leadership and collective action.
A key highlight will be an engaging, witty yet deeply transformative interaction with Gurudev, who will share his insights on living with clarity, compassion, confidence and purpose. His message of building a stress-free mind and a violence-free society resonates with the festival’s vision of empowering young people to discover their inner strength and become catalysts of positive social change.
Following Gurudev’s address, students will come together for a Youth Pledge Against Drugs, making a collective commitment to say no to drugs and stand for a healthier, safer and drug-free society. The initiative aims to encourage young people to become ambassadors of change and inspire their peers to make responsible choices.
Adding an energetic musical dimension to the festival will be Bhajan Clubbing by Nirvana Station of The Art of Living. Blending devotional music with contemporary musical expression, this unique format will connect young people with India’s spiritual and cultural heritage through an engaging and uplifting musical experience.
UMANG 2026 seeks to go beyond a conventional youth festival by bringing together spiritual wisdom, a collective commitment against substance abuse and an immersive musical celebration.
