“Bharat Utsav – Festival of India in Moscow,” held at the Manezhnaya Square in central Moscow, drew approximately 850,000 visitors. Organised by the Embassy of India in Russia, in collaboration with the Moscow City Government, the nine-day event showcased India’s living traditions to the Russian capital.

The opening ceremony was attended by Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of India to Russia; Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee; and Niharika Rai, Delhi Secretary of Tourism. Ambassadors, diplomats, and representatives of Russian local government also attended the event.

Two performance stages hosted more than 500 cultural presentations, including daily sessions on yoga, meditation, and wellness.

Over 150 artists from across India took part, representing states such as Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. Audiences saw an array of classical and folk dance forms, including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Singari, as well as musical performances in various local languages prevalent in India.

Russian performers – more than 350 local artists, students, and enthusiasts of Indian arts – also joined the stage, highlighting the deep cultural exchange between the two countries.

During the event, Russian and Indian officials emphasised the strong cultural linkages and shared goodwill between India and Russia. According to them, “Bharat Utsav” reaffirmed the enduring cultural dimension of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, strengthening people-to-people ties and enhancing India’s cultural diplomacy on the global stage.

Photo:
Embassy of India in Russia