Pinaka Mediaworks

Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026 (India, Chandigarh)

Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026
(India, Chandigarh)

Invitation: 7th Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026 (India, Chandigarh)
We are honoured to cordially invite you to the Opening Ceremony of the 7th Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026 in Chandigarh at 11 AM on 28th February, 2026 (Saturday)

Join us for a day to celebrate global cinema, heritage, and storytelling through exhibitions and performances as we celebrate 25 years of Sikhlens globally by integrating world stories with the vibrant community in India. Your presence would add immense grace to this milestone celebration.

Entry to the festival is FREE —including all film screenings, keynote sessions, and cultural performances. We invite everyone to join us in this celebration.

Event Details
– Date: Saturday, 28th February 2026
– Festival Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM IST
– Venue: Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh
– Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iu96jo98CWpKAZTq7

The Sikhlens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival 2026
is set to make history as it celebrates its
25th Global Anniversary and 7th year in India.

The 2026 worldwide festival journey of Sikhlens will commence from Chandigarh, hosted by the Sikhlens India Festival Directorate and Pinaka Mediaworks at the Tagore Theatre on Saturday, 28th February 2026.

The festival will be a full-day celebration (11:00 AM – 8:00 PM) with free entry for all.

In a landmark event for the global diaspora, emerging filmmakers and creative artists, the Festival Directors from Sikhlens USA, Canada, and the UK will be joining in India together for the very first time. This unprecedented gathering of global leadership defines a new integration for Sikh-entric films and arts, bringing together the works of international filmmakers, artists and patrons to India.

Key Festival Highlights:
  • Film Premiere: The Indian screening of Crafting Legacy, a Sikhlens UK production documenting the visionary work of Bal Choda, Lead Engineer and Inventor for Aston Martin, UK.
  • Book Launch: The formal release of The Legend of 1972: Life, Hockey, and Beyond, celebrating the career of Olympian Kuldip Singh Bhogal – who represented Uganda in the 1972 Munich Olympics.
  • Flagship Calendar Launch: The unveiling of the Sikhlens 2026 Art Calendar, featuring a special tribute by the world-renowned Singh Twins (Liverpool).
  • The Sikhlens Honors: Celebrating Global Patrons: A core highlight of the 2026 festival is the Sikhlens Honors, a prestigious recognition of extraordinary contributions in the public domain. These awards celebrate individuals who embody the foundational Sikh tenets through three specific categories: Chardi Kala: Recognizing the spirit of eternal optimism and resilience, Sewa: Honoring selfless service to humanity and Sarbat Da Bhala: Commemorating work done for the “well-being of all.”

The festival’s official film selections feature 25+ films from 6 countries, including India (12), United Kingdom (7), USA (4), Switzerland (1), Canada (1), and Australia (1). Many are curated through the Sikhlens Scholarship Programs under the Destinations S, Project S, Community Voices and Sikhlens Animations.

17 specialized exhibitions will display a breathtaking array of work, including over 1000 heritage items by antique coins, relics, numismatics, from the historical archives of Northern India dating to the Sikh Empire of the Pre-Independence era, philately, rare stamps, 19th-century manuscripts, miniature art, photography, paintings, and books.

The Journey and Expansion of Sikhlens

Originally founded in California in 2001, Sikhlens has grown into a global movement with established chapters in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The Sikhlens India Festival Directorate which began with the first festival in 2020 in Chandigarh, India is now celebrating this 25th anniversary to expand initiatives beyond Chandigarh to cities across India, creating and expanding the ecosystem for Sikh-centric arts, culture and innovation led film-making, and academic scholarships in the domain of film-making and creative field to preserve stories in all formats for future generation.

The Sikhlens India Festival Directorate invites journalists and media houses to cover this global milestone. Upon request, the Directorate can provide contact details such as film posters, specific details, and coordinate interviews with the filmmakers, international representatives, and artists. For media credentials or to schedule a specific interview slot, please contact the Directorate’s media desk at the festival venue on 28th February.

For Press/Media Enquiry, contact:
Dr. HK Kharbanda +91 98152220735

For Festival Directorate Communication, contact:
Dr. Rimpi Arora +91 98726 79222

Festival Director for Sikhlens (India): Ojaswwee Sharma
Festival Founder: Bicky Singh

Media Coverage – Photos



News Citations & Sources



1. Punjab Kesari (Chandigarh)

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0saCMqTA4k

Original Language: Hindi

28 फरवरी को होगा ‘सिखलेंस: सिख आर्ट्स एंड फिल्म फेस्टिवल 2026’ का भव्य आगाज़ – एंट्री फ्री
Title: Grand Opening of ‘Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026’ in Chandigarh on February 28 – Entry Free

Date: February 19, 2026

Source: YouTube – Punjab Kesari

Key Highlight: Announcement of the 25th global year and 7th Indian edition featuring 26 films from 6 countries.

2. UK News 24

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZYlEslEUMc

Original Language: Hindi

चंडीगढ़।। सिखलेंस द्वारा सिख आर्ट्स एंड फिल्म फेस्टिवल 2026 का 28 फरवरी को टैगोर थिएटर में आयोजन
Title: Chandigarh: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026 Organized by Sikhlens on Feb 28 at Tagore Theatre

Date: February 19, 2026

Source: YouTube – UK News 24

Key Highlight: Coverage of the official press conference and the unveiling of “The Singh Twins” calendar.

3. Chandigarh City News

Link: https://www.chandigarhcitynews.com/sikh-arts-film-festival-2026-in-chandigarh-on-february-28-entry-free/

Original Language: English

Title: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026 in Chandigarh on February 28 – Entry Free

Date: February 19, 2026

Source: ChandigarhCityNews.com

4. Instagram (Officialaimgallerychd Account)

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DU23UUajw83/

Original Language: English

Title: Official Festival Poster and Announcement for Sikhlens 2026

Date: February 19, 2026

Source: Instagram

5. Punjab Explore

Link: https://punjabexplore.in/punjabexplore-5/

Original Language: Hindi

चंडीगढ़ में होगा ‘सिख लेंस: सिख आर्ट्स एंड फिल्म फेस्टिवल 2026’ का भव्य आगाज़ – एंट्री फ्री
Title: Sikhlens 2026 Coverage Update

Date: February 2026

Source: PunjabExplore.in

6. Punjab De Lehar News

Link: https://punjabdeleharnews.blogspot.com/2026/02/2026-28.html

Original Language: Punjabi

Title: Grand Launch of Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026 on February 28

Date: February 18, 2026

Source: Punjab De Lehar Blogspot

7. PTC Punjabi

Date: 20th February, 2026

Source: Facebook – PTC Punjabi

8. BBC News Punjabi

Link: https://youtu.be/SjCQawHOxVE?si=MIO6HtJpxLJ8RNBP

Original Language: Punjabi

Indian immigrant ਦੇ ਪੁੱਤ Kuldip Singh Bhogal ਨੇ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਬਣਾਈ ਸੀ Uganda ਦੀ ਹਾਕੀ ਟੀਮ ‘ਚ ਥਾਂ
Title: How Kuldip Singh Bhogal, the son of an Indian immigrant, made it to the Uganda hockey team

Date: February 23, 2026

Source: Youtube – BBC News Punjabi

9. Punjab News 18

Link: https://punjab.news18.com/news/punjab/olympian-kuldeep-singh-bhogal-deepee-sikhlens-to-launch-his-autobiography-at-sikh-arts-and-film-festival-2026-chandigarh-skm-944640.html

Original Language: Punjabi

ਓਲੰਪਿਅਨ ਕੁਲਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਭੋਗਲ ‘ਦੀਪੀ’ ਸਿਖਲੈਂਸ: ਸਿਖ ਆਰਟਸ ਐਂਡ ਫਿਲਮ ਫੈਸਟਿਵਲ 2026 ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਪਣੀ ਆਤਮਕਥਾ ਕਰਨਗੇ ਲਾਂਚ
Title: Olympian Kuldeep Singh Bhogal ‘Deepi’ arrives in Chandigarh to launch his Autobiography at SikhLens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival 2026

Date: February 23, 2026

Source: Punjab News 18

10. Punjab De Lehar News

Link: http://punjabdeleharnews.blogspot.com/2026/02/2026_23.html

Original Language: Punjabi

ਓਲੰਪਿਅਨ ਕੁਲਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਭੋਗਲ ‘ਦੀਪੀ’ ਸਿਖਲੈਂਸ: ਸਿਖ ਆਰਟਸ ਐਂਡ ਫਿਲਮ ਫੈਸਟਿਵਲ 2026 ਵਿੱਚ ਆਪਣੀ ਆਤਮਕਥਾ ਲਾਂਚ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ
Title: Olympian Kuldeep Singh Bhogal ‘Deepi’ arrives in Chandigarh to launch his Autobiography at SikhLens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival 2026

Date: February 23, 2026

Source: Punjab De Lehar News

11. Punjab De Lehar News

Link: http://punjabdeleharnews.blogspot.com/2026/02/olympian-kuldip-singh-bhogal-deepi.html

Original Language: English

Title: Olympian Kuldeep Singh Bhogal ‘Deepi’ arrives in Chandigarh to launch his Autobiography at SikhLens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival 2026

Date: February 23, 2026

Source: Punjab De Lehar News

12. Shanaya Ahem

Link: https://shanayaahem6.blogspot.com/2026/02/2026_01806763998.html

Original Language: Hindi

Title: ओलंपियन कुलदीप सिंह भोगल‘दीपी’ सिखलेंस:सिख आर्ट्स एंड फिल्म फेस्टिवल 2026 में अपनी आत्मकथा लॉन्च करने पहुंचे चंडीगढ़

Date: February 23, 2026

Source: Blog – Shanaya Ahem

13. Punjab Explore

Link: https://punjabexplore.in/pa/punjabexplore-23/

Original Language: Punjabi

‘ਦ ਲੀਜੈਂਡ ਆਫ 1972: ਲਾਈਫ, ਹਾਕੀ ਐਂਡ ਬਿਓਂਡ’ ਪੁਸਤਕ ਲੋਕ ਅਰਪਣ
Title: Book launch of ‘The Legend of 1972: Life, Hockey and Beyond’

Date: February 23, 2026

Source: Punjab Explore

14. Bharat News Network

Link: https://bnnindia.in/archives/5259

Original Language: Hindi

Title: ओलंपियन कुलदीप सिंह भोगल‘दीपी’ सिखलेंस:सिख आर्ट्स एंड फिल्म फेस्टिवल 2026 में अपनी आत्मकथा लॉन्च करने पहुंचे चंडीगढ़

Date: February 23, 2026

Source: Bharat News Network

15. Jan Hetaishi

Link: https://youtu.be/DC1rmwzXlho?si=PVgGi0bm3jgZgze5

Original Language: Punjabi

‘ਓਲੰਪੀਅਨ ਕੁਲਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਭਾਗੋਲ ‘ਦੀਪੀ’ ਸਿੱਖਲੈਂਸ: ਸਿੱਖ ਆਰਟਸ ਐਂਡ ਫਿਲਮ ਫੈਸਟੀਵਲ 2026 ਵਿਖੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਆਤਮਕਥਾ ਲਾਂਚ ਕਰਨ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ
Title: Olympian Kuldeep Singh Bhogal ‘Deepi’ arrives in Chandigarh to launch his Autobiography at SikhLens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival 2026

Date: February 23, 2026

Source: Youtube – Jan Hetaishi

16. The Tribune

Link: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/olympian-bhogal-reflects-on-how-hockey-has-changed/

Original Language: English

Title: Olympian Bhogal reflects on how hockey has changed

Date: February 23, 2026

Source: The Tribunea

Date: 19.02.2026
Source: Him Prabha (Hindi)

Date: 19.02.2026
Source: Chandigarh Dinbhar (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Dainik Bhaskar City Life (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Amar Ujala (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Amar Ujala (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Amar Ujala (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Amar Ujala (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Samarth Bandhu (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Paigaam-E-Jagat (Punjabi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Paigaam-E-Jagat (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: The Tribune – Digital – Online

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: News in Bright Punjab Express / Punjab Express Bureau

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: YugMarg

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Rashtra Naman Paper (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Rashtra Naman Paper (Hindi)

Date: 20.02.2026
Source: Shanaya Ahem

Date: 24.02.2026
Source: Dainik Bhaskar

Date: 24.02.2026
Source: Dainik Jagran

Date: 24.02.2026
Source: Dainik Savera

Date: 24.02.2026
Source: Paigam e Jagat

Date: 24.02.2026
Source: U-Turn

Date: 24.02.2026
Source: Paigam e Jagat (Hindi)

Date: 24.02.2026
Source: The Indian Express

Date: 24.02.2026
Source: The Tribune

Date: 24.02.2026