MP: Vikramotsav 2026 Wins Gold for Cultural Live Event of the Year and Silver for Government Participation; WOW Live Awards Team to Present Honours to CM Mohan Yadav in Bhopal
The team from the 'WOW Live Awards' will visit Bhopal to present Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav with the Gold and Silver awards received by Vikramotsav 2026 this year. At the 'Shows of India Conclave 2026,' held in New Delhi on May 1 and 2, 2026, Vikramotsav 2026 was honored with the Gold Award in the category of 'Cultural Live Event of the Year' and the Silver Award in the category of 'Best Government Participation in Live Events.'
These awards were presented under the aegis of the WOW Live Awards, an initiative that honors creators and visionaries who have demonstrated excellence in the fields of concerts, festivals, tours, and live events across the country. This year, the awards received over 300 entries, reflecting the growing scope, diversity, and potential of this sector. These entries were evaluated by an expert jury panel.
Shriram Tiwari, Cultural Advisor to the Chief Minister and Director of the Maharaja Vikramaditya Research Chair, stated that the Gold and Silver awards received by Vikramotsav 2026 are a matter of immense pride for Madhya Pradesh. This honor serves not only as a symbol of Madhya Pradesh's cultural richness but also represents a significant milestone in establishing the state's traditional and modern cultural expressions on a global stage."
A Legacy of Recognition-Awarded Three Times
Vikramotsav is regarded as one of the world’s longest-running cultural festivals, combining cultural and business events. In previous years, Vikramotsav 2025 received the Longstanding IP of the Year award at the Emax Global Awards. It also won a Gold Award at the WOW Awards Asia 2025 in a special category for government events. In 2024, it received the “Biggest Religious Event in Asia” award.
Vikramotsav 2026 set new benchmarks in digital outreach and community engagement. According to official reports, between February 7 and March 24, 2026, the event reached over 17.72 crore people. Official social media platforms and live streams reached 4.785 million users. User-generated content and hashtags contributed to a digital reach of over 172.4 million users.
139-day-long festival
Vikramotsav 2026 is a 139-day-long festival, running from February 12 to June 30, 2026. Beginning on Varsha Pratipada (the traditional New Year), the festival includes a wide range of cultural, social, and economic activities.
A key component is the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign, focusing on the preservation and promotion of water as one of the five elements (Panch Mahabhuta). The festival features more than 41 diverse events, with performances by over 4,000 artists.
The first phase concluded on Mahashivratri with a special musical presentation “Shivoham Mahadev” by renowned composer Pritam. The second phase, running from March 19 to June 30, focuses on environmental awareness and water conservation.
Additionally, from April 3 to 5, a grand theatrical presentation on Emperor Vikramaditya was staged in Varanasi, showcasing his ideals of good governance and justice to a wider audience.