The winner for the KASHISH 2026 International Poster Design Contest for the 17th KASHISH Pride Film Festival was revealed today – Pari Nirmal, a Mumbai based designer who works across publication, packaging, branding, and illustration.

The winning entry was picked from around 35 submissions to the contest received from across several parts of India like Gurgram, New Delhi, Bangalore, Mangalore, Kolkata, Assam, Chennai and Navi Mumbai.

Mumbai-based designer Pari Nirmal’s design touched a chord with the organizers of the festival who felt her design resonated well with the festival theme this year.

She said, “My first experience at KASHISH last year opened up a whole new world for me. When the poster competition was announced and I saw the theme ‘Reflect, Resonate, Rejoice!’, it immediately struck a chord. In a time when we are constantly on the move, it is crucial to pause, reflect, and celebrate what we achieve- both individually and collectively. The design captures the vibrant, shared reality that KASHISH brings to life: a space where voices flow freely, emotions combine, and identities find expression. This energy extends beyond the festival itself, contributing to a larger movement of visibility, understanding, and acceptance. The recognition reaffirms why I design- to listen closely, learn continuously, and create work that connects people. I am grateful that my design is the face of this year’s festival.”