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Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026 (India Chapter)

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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

Watch the Festival Movie

Sikhlens India 2026: Comprehensive Festival Summary

In 2026, Sikhlens celebrates over 25 years of bridging cultures through the universal language of art and cinema. Originally founded in 2001 in California, the foundation has grown into a global movement with established chapters in India, the UK, and Canada, and is now expanding into Africa.

Following an intensive planning phase in late 2025, the 7th Edition of Sikhlens India is officially scheduled for February 28, 2026.

Festival Highlights & Program

MORE DETAILS AND PROGRAMS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED till 19th February, 2026.

The 2026 iteration promises to be the most ambitious yet, blending cinematic experience, storytelling, literature, visual arts, and performing arts:

  1. The Main Event: A full-day Films and Arts festival will take place at the Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh, on Saturday, February 28, 2026 (11 AM to 8 PM). Entry is free to the public.
  2. A Historic Press Conference: For the first time, Festival Directors from India, USA, Canada, and the UK will convene in Chandigarh to jointly preside over the official press conference.
  3. Global Book Launch: This year marks the worldwide release of The Legend of 1972: Life, Hockey and Beyond. This autobiography chronicles Olympian Kuldip Singh Bhogal, who represented Uganda in the 1972 Munich Olympics.
  4. Art Calendar: Sikhlens will showcase its renowned large-sized art calendars produced by The Singh Twins from Liverpool, United Kingdom, available in India from January through March 2026.
  5. Cinematic Scope: The festival will feature films including documentaries, short films, and animations produced from across the globe. Till date, collectively in the last six editions, over 100 films from 12+ countries in multiple languages including Punjabi, Hindi, French, Spanish, Swahili, and Italian.
  6. Films on resilience and innovation celebrating Chardi Kala, Sewa, and Sarbat Da Bhala.
  7. Regional Expansion: While Chandigarh remains the center for the grand finale, the 7th year introduces expansion to multiple cities and venues across India, with multiple events to be hosted in various states and cities of North India.
MORE DETAILS AND PROGRAMS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED till 19th February, 2026.

Partnering with Sikhlens India 2026

Sikhlens invites organizations to become a vital part of this journey. Partnering with the 2026 edition offers a unique blend of cultural impact and strategic benefits:

  1. Access to a Rich Global Network: Connect with an elite community of filmmakers, industry leaders, and cultural influencers cultivated over a quarter-century of international operations.
  2. Community Trust: Align your brand with the core value of Seva, building goodwill with a dedicated global audience and volunteer force.
  3. Brand Visibility: Gain massive exposure from 11 AM to 8 PM through logo placement on festival collateral, digital promotions, and display credits.
  4. Tax Benefits (Section 80G): Sponsorship contributions are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80G through our partner, United Sikh Mission.
Global Organizational Structure

Sikhlens is a registered entity worldwide, committed to the tenets of Sikhi and the spirit of Chardi Kala (eternal optimism).

Country Entity Status Key Partners / Representatives
United States Registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Global Foundation Headquarters
United Kingdom Registered Charity Sikhlens UK
Canada Registered Charity Sikhlens Canada
India Festival Representation for Film Festival Pinaka Mediaworks
India Partnered Entity for Charity United Sikh Mission (80G Status)

The Indian operations are managed by the Sikhlens India Festival Directorate, chaired by Ojaswwee Sharma, who serves as the Honorary Festival Director for the Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival, Chandigarh, India.

  • Name of the Festival: Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival (India Chapter)
  • Festival Founder: Bicky Singh
  • Co-Founder for Sikhlens: Gurpreet K Singh
  • Festival Director for Sikhlens in भारत (India): Ojaswwee Sharma
  • Festival Host Organization in भारत (India): Pinaka Mediaworks LLP
  • Production Companies for Festival Management in भारत (India): Pinaka Mediaworks LLP and Rolling Frames Entertainment
  • Partner for Non-Profit Donations in भारत (India): United Sikh Mission

THE SIX-YEAR GROWTH JOURNEY  

Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival in Chandigarh, India

Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025

Executive Summary

Over the past six years, from 2020 to 2025, Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival has established itself as a cornerstone of cultural and artistic expression in Chandigarh, India. Hosted annually at the prestigious Tagore Theatre, the festival has witnessed significant growth in budget, participation, and impact. With a consistent annual increase in interest of participants and visitors with a growth rate of 15-20%, the festival has expanded its film screenings, exhibitions, performing art with national and international representation and collaborations, fostering a vibrant community of artists, filmmakers, and audiences. The collaboration between Sikhlens and Pinaka Mediaworks for India has been pivotal in executing seamless operations for the Film festival held every year in February, securing infrastructure, logistics, audience and network in Indian ecosystem, government support, and enhancing media relations. Despite facing annual challenges related to venue limitations, socio-political developments in North India, budget and dependent logistical constraints, Sikhlens in India has achieved remarkable milestones, including production, government, administration, and diplomatic support, diverse audience engagement, and extensive media coverage.

This report delves into the comprehensive analysis of Sikhlens journey, highlighting growth, programming evolution, operational efforts, partnerships, challenges, achievements, and future prospects.

Overview of Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival in Chandigarh

Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival was inaugurated in February 2020 with the vision of celebrating Sikh heritage through the mediums of arts and cinema. Held annually in Chandigarh, the festival serves as a platform for filmmakers, artists, and audiences to converge, exchange ideas, and showcase diverse narratives that reflect the Sikh experience and broader cultural themes. The festival not only highlights cinematic excellence and efforts but also integrates various forms of artistic expressions, including literature, performing arts, and visual arts, thereby enriching the cultural tapestry of the region.

Objectives and Mission

The primary objectives of Sikhlens in India through the annual Arts & Film Festival are to:

  1. Promote Sikh Culture and Heritage through varied form of art and films.
  2. Provide a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to present their work in the related domain and themes.
  3. Foster cultural exchange, national and international collaboration.
  4. Enhance the visibility of Sikh narratives in the global arts and film landscape.
  5. Encourage diversity and inclusion within the arts community.
  6. Encourage new generation storytellers and investors to come forward in the spectrum.

The goal of Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival (India Chapter) is to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where art and cinema intersect, foster creativity, establish dialogue, and mutual understanding among diverse audiences.

ANNUAL OVERVIEW (2020-2025)

Festival Execution Overview

Sikhlens in Chandigarh is meticulously organized, with each festival day featuring a blend of film screenings (in multiple languages), exhibitions, performances, and interactive sessions. The festival ensures a seamless experience through efficient logistics, robust security measures, and comprehensive attendee management.

PLANNING AND EXECUTION SUMMARY

Organizing Sikhlens requires extensive investment in effort, time and resources across various stages:

S. No Activity Details Timeline
1 Date Announcement Announced 90 days prior, during California festival Annually
2 Poster Placement One month before festival Yearly
3 Digital Outreach Continuous through social media and WhatsApp 3 months
4 Press Festivals Two weeks before festival (2020–2023), 10 days (2024) Annually
5 Publicity Material Production Local production of all promotional materials One month prior
6 Logistics and Security Venue setup, manpower, security planning, and festival execution Festival week
7 Festival Planning Sign-ups, planning, meetings, logistics design, advance payments 3 months
8 Film and Program Scheduling Selection of films, designing of sub-festivals, festival day and press event programming Year-round selection process,
Scheduling 2 months before the festival

IMPACT AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Achievement Details
LONGEST RUNNING SIKHLENS IS THE LONGEST RUNNING FESTIVAL OF SUCH KIND HELD IN INDIA THAT HAS BEEN RUNNING CONSECUTIVELY FOR 6 YEARS IN भारत INDIA
Government Support 4 times out of 6 years from Chandigarh Administration
Diplomatic Support & Sponsorship Once with the High Commission of Canada in India (2023)
Diplomatic Participation By the British High Commission in 2022, 2023, and 2025 respectively
Cultural Support Supported by INTACH Punjab – Indian National Trust for Art, Culture & Heritage, Punjab in 2025
Visitor Growth Striking annual increase in attendees.
Approx. 1000 in 2020 to more than 3000 in 2025
Awareness Among filmmakers, youth, artists, cinema enthusiasts, present and former Chairman of Minority Commission of India, leaders of various domains, educational institutions, public, social welfare groups, inter-faith community leaders, schools, colleges, and NGOs
Media Coverage Featured in 50+ media outlets across multiple languages in print, digital, and electronic media
Diversity & Inclusion Inclusive programming, participation representation, and audience participation
Notable Participants Record holders, philanthropists, and diverse professionals
Arts and Heritage Extensive showcasing of various art forms

Government and Diplomatic Support

Sikhlens has garnered consistent support from the Chandigarh Administration and the Department of Cultural Affairs, securing the Tagore Theatre for four out of six years. In 2023, additional diplomatic support was received from the Government of Canada and the British High Commissioner in Chandigarh, enhancing the festival’s international credibility.

Visitor Growth and Diversity

The festival has experienced a 20% annual growth in visitor numbers, attracting attendees from across India and internationally, including countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and various African nations. This growth underscores Sikhlens’ increasing appeal and its ability to draw a diverse audience.

Media Coverage and Publicity

Sikhlens has achieved extensive media coverage, being featured in over 40 newspapers, journals, online magazines, portals, web channels, and television channels. This multi-language coverage (English, Hindi, Punjabi) has significantly boosted the festival’s visibility and reach.

Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion

The festival has been a strong advocate for diversity, promoting inclusion across various dimensions such as religion, gender, and disability. This commitment is reflected in the diverse programming and the inclusive nature of the audience.

Notable Guests and Participants

Sikhlens has welcomed a myriad of notable guests, including Guinness and Limca World Book Record holders, filmmakers, writers, authors, painters, musicians, aspiring filmmakers and journalists varied forms of performing artists, philanthropists, youth, Non-Government and Non-Profit Organizations, historians, military personnel, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. These distinguished participants have enriched the festival’s discourse and appeal.

Contributions to Arts and Heritage

The festival has made significant contributions to the promotion of literature, heritage, performing arts, calligraphy, miniature art, and other artistic disciplines. Performances by folk artists, singers, bhangra, gidha, rabaab and divine music and Gatka performers have been major attractions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Sikh community and beyond.

VENUE

Venue from 2020–2026: Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh

Tagore Theatre is the preferred venue for Sikhlens, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities in the region and strategic location within Chandigarh. Managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration, it offers a conducive environment for large-scale festivals.

Merits of the venue:

  • Seating Capacity: 800
  • Maximum Gathering: 2,000
  • Amenities: Large stage size, adequate seating, adequate and hygienic washrooms, partly accessible venue with accessibility assistance arrangements by festival organizers, free parking, accessibility on stage and backstage, access to public transport, and proximity to hotels for visiting guests.

Festival Audience Assessment by Pinaka Mediaworks

Visitor Management

The festival anticipates a daily turnout ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 visitors. This includes attendees staying for the entire day or visiting during specific sessions, ensuring a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere throughout the festival.

Visitor Demographics

Sikhlens in Chandigarh, India attracts a diverse audience encompassing various age groups, including youth, elderly, students, academicians, emerging makers, and young apprentices from surrounding media schools and high schools. The festival’s inclusive programming and approach appeals to a wide spectrum of attendees, fostering community engagement and cultural appreciation.

Audience Visit Calculations

Visitor numbers are calculated through on-site registrations. Pinaka Mediaworks employs data analytics to monitor attendance patterns and optimize visitor management strategies for future editions of the festival.

FUTURE SCOPE AND GROWTH

Looking ahead, Sikhlens aims to expand the festival’s duration, potentially extending it from a single day to multiple days. This expansion would allow for a greater number of film screenings, exhibitions, and interactive sessions, enhancing the overall attendee experience. New segments such as workshops, interactive sessions, and masterclasses will be introduced, providing attendees with opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement. These additions will enrich the festival’s programming and attract a wider audience.
Opportunity Description
Extended Festival Duration Expanding from one day to multiple days / multiple venues
International Collaborations for India Partnering with global institutions and investment firms
New Segments Introducing workshops and interactive sessions
Enhanced Digital Presence Strengthening online presence and awareness

CONCLUSION

The five-year journey of Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival in Chandigarh has been marked by significant growth, robust partnerships, and Impactful contributions to the arts and cultural landscape. From its inception in 2020, the festival has successfully navigated challenges, expanded its programming, and fostered a diverse and engaged community. The consistent financial growth, coupled with strategic planning and execution, has solidified Sikhlens’ position as a premier cultural festival that not only is creating awareness, but is also building a stronger community, and engagement for year-round programming.

Moving forward, Sikhlens is poised to continue its trajectory of excellence, embracing new opportunities for expansion, collaboration, and innovation. The festival’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural celebration remains unwavering, ensuring its continued relevance and success in the years to come.

Detailed Annual Reports Links

For a comprehensive breakdown and detailed photographs of each year’s festival, please refer to the following links:

Year Link
2020 https://pinakamediaworks.com/sikhlensindia2020/
2021 https://pinakamediaworks.com/sikhlensindia2021/
2022 https://pinakamediaworks.com/sikhlensindia2022/
2023 https://pinakamediaworks.com/sikhlensindia2023/
2024 https://pinakamediaworks.com/sikhlensindia2024/
2025 https://pinakamediaworks.com/sikhlensindia2025/
2026 https://pinakamediaworks.com/sikhlensindia2026/

News Citations & Sources


Date: 28.02.2026
Source: Dainik Bhaskar Chandigarh

Date: 28.02.2026

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Dainik Bhaskar

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Dainik Jagran

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Amar Ujala

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: The Tribune

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: The Tribune

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: The Tribune

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Amar Ujala

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Dainik Bhaskar

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Dainik Savera

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Dainik Jagran (Spice)

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Jagbani (Punjabi)

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Gurgaon Mail

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Punjab De Lehar News

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Punjab De Lehar News (English)

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Jansatta

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: The Tribune – Instagram

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: Khalsa Vox

Date: 1.03.2026
Source: PU Pulse

Source: PU Pulse

Source: News Wave Chandigarh

Source: Desh Bhagat Community Radio

Source: City Air News

Source: India News Calling

Source: Demographic Front

1. Punjab De Lehar News

Link: https://punjabdeleharnews.blogspot.com/2026/02/41-25.html

Original Language: Punjabi

ਸਿਖਲੇਂਸ ਫਿਲਮ ਫੈਸਟੀਵਲ ਚੈਕ ਪ੍ਰਤੀਨਿਧ ਦੀ ਹਾਜ਼ਰੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਫਲਤਾਪੂਰਵਕ ਸੰਪੰਨ; 41 ਕਲਾਕਾਰ ਸਨਮਾਨਿਤ, 25 ਫਿਲਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਕ੍ਰੀਨਿੰਗ
Title: Sikhlens Film Festival Concludes Successfully in Presence of Czech Representative: 41 Artists Honoured, 25 Films Scrooned

Date: February 28, 2026

Source: Punjab De Lehar News

2. Punjab De Lehar News

Link: https://punjabdeleharnews.blogspot.com/2026/02/sikhlens-film-festival-concludes.html

Original Language: English

Title: Sikhlens Film Festival Concludes Successfully in Presence of Czech Representative: 41 Artists Honoured, 25 Films Scrooned

Date: February 28, 2026

Source: Punjab De Lehar News (English)

3. thetribunechd

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVVekUFiq-W/?igsh=eDA4N3ZqMjRiOG1o

Original Language: English

Title: Sikh Arts & Film Festival celebrates cinema, community heritage, technology in Chandigarh

Date: February 28, 2026

Source: Instagram – thetribunechd

4. Khalsa Vox

Link: https://khalsavox.com/heritage/sikhlens-2026-turns-tagore-theatre-into-a-global-sikh-arts-hub/

Original Language: English

Title: Sikhlens 2026 Turns Tagore Theatre Into a Global Sikh Arts Hub

Date: March 2, 2026

Source: Khalsa Vox

5. PU Pulse

Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVWHf74D_l7/

Title: The Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026 was successfully organized on February 28, 2026, at Tagore Theatre, celebrating the rich legacy of Sikh culture through cinema, art, and performance.

Date: March 2, 2026

Source: Instagram – pu.pulse

6. PU Pulse

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/186yfHYir7/

Title: The Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026 was successfully organized on February 28, 2026, at Tagore Theatre, celebrating the rich legacy of Sikh culture through cinema, art, and performance.

Date: March 2, 2026

Source: Facebook – PU Pulse

7. News Wave Chandigarh

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_tU73oipT0

Original Language: Hindi

Title: Sikh Lens Festival Chandigarh 2026

Date: March 2, 2026

Source: Youtube – News Wave Chandigarh

8. Desh Bhagat Radio

Link: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVOMdBmgc0J/

Original Language: Hindi

Title: RJ Sangmitra in conversation with acclaimed filmmaker Ojaswwee Sharma as they dive into the vision, stories, and cinematic spirit behind the upcoming Sikh Lens – Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2026

Date: March 2, 2026

Source: Facebook – deshbhagatradio

9. City Air News

Link: https://www.cityairnews.com/content/sikhlens-film-festival-concludes-successfully-in-presence-of-czech-representative41-artists-honoured-25-films-screened

Original Language: English

Title: Sikhlens Film Festival Concludes Successfully in Presence of Czech Representative: 41 Artists Honoured, 25 Films Screened

Date: February 28, 2026

Source: City Air News

10. India News Calling

Link: https://www.indianewscalling.com/news/181757-sikhlens-honours-panchhi-for-social-services-.aspx

Original Language: English

Title: Sikhlens Honours Panchhi For Social Services

Date: March 2, 2026

Source: India News Calling