Grand launch of ‘Bhim Jyoti Utsav-2026’ on Ambedkar Jayanti; Kartavya Path lit up with over 6,000 ‘Jai Bhim’ lamps

Five-day festival opens with lighting of the ‘Bhim Jyoti’; tributes paid to Babasaheb

Special programmes to celebrate Ambedkar’s legacy at Kartavya Path till April 14

‘Constitution Fair’ draws crowds with interactive digital timeline

Government schemes showcased through departmental stalls to boost public outreach

Qawwalis, street plays and Ambedkarite folk songs to carry the message of social justice

“The Constitution guarantees dignity and rights to the last citizen,” says Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

Government aims to take development schemes to every section, including Dalit settlements: Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh

New Delhi, April 2026 : Marking the birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Friday inaugurated the five-day ‘Bhim Jyoti Utsav-2026’ at Kartavya Path by lighting the ceremonial ‘Bhim Jyoti’. She paid tributes to Babasaheb, recalling his lifelong struggle for equality and justice. Cabinet Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh, senior officials and a large number of citizens were present at the event.

The Chief Minister also flagged off a ‘walkathon’ aimed at promoting awareness and social equality. She later toured the venue, inspecting over 50 stalls put up by various departments to showcase welfare schemes and public initiatives.

More than 6,000 lamps bearing the inscription ‘Jai Bhim’ were lit across the venue, creating a striking atmosphere of reverence and unity.

Constitution is not just a document, but a guarantee of rights: CM

Addressing the gathering, Gupta said Dr Ambedkar’s life stands as a powerful example of struggle, dedication and commitment to social justice. “The Constitution he gave us is not merely a legal document, but a guarantee of dignity and rights for those standing at the very margins of society,” she said, urging people to imbibe his ideals in everyday life.

She described the festival as more than a routine government event, calling it a people’s movement. A series of quizzes, workshops and art exhibitions planned during the festival, she said, would help sensitise young people and students to their constitutional rights and duties. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she added that Delhi remains focused on empowering marginalised communities and advancing social justice.

Cabinet Minister Shri Ravindra Indraj Singh said the event was not just ceremonial but an effort to lead society from ignorance to awareness. He credited the initiative to the Chief Minister’s vision of taking Ambedkar’s ideas to every section of society.

He added that the government has taken concrete steps for the upliftment of underprivileged communities, citing initiatives such as the ‘Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana’, bicycle distribution for girl students, and support in education. The goal, he said, is to ensure that development schemes reach every section, including Dalit settlements, and help realise Ambedkar’s vision of an egalitarian society.

Cultural programmes bring Ambedkar’s vision to life

The ‘Bhim Jyoti Utsav’ is being held from April 10 to 14 at a specially developed festival परिसर at Kartavya Path. A major highlight is a curated gallery on 299 eminent personalities, showcasing their contributions through modern and digital formats.

The exhibition also traces key milestones in Dr Ambedkar’s life—from his early years to his work as a barrister, his role in shaping the Constitution, and his recognition with the Bharat Ratna. It highlights his efforts towards social justice, as well as the role of organisations such as ‘Mooknayak’ and ‘Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha’, and key historical moments including the Simon Commission.

Constitution Fair draws attention

The ‘Constitution Fair’ features an interactive digital timeline, along with information on government schemes such as scholarships, pensions and skill development programmes, presented through departmental displays.

Cultural performances to spread the message

Blending art with awareness, the festival features a range of cultural programmes. The opening day saw musical performances by Mehul and his band, along with folk presentations that drew enthusiastic crowds. A wheelchair dance by specially-abled children stood out, delivering a powerful message of resilience and inclusion.

From April 12 to 14, India Gate lawns will host qawwalis, theatrical performances and Ambedkarite folk music, continuing the effort to take the message of social justice to a wider audience.

A festival envisioned as a people’s movement

The organisers have positioned the event as a broad-based public movement rather than a standalone celebration. Workshops, interactive sessions, quizzes and art exhibitions have been designed with a special focus on engaging youth and students, encouraging deeper awareness of constitutional values.