From 14 to 17 August, Moscow will be immersed in the atmosphere of spices, rituals, dances and ancient knowledge – the tenth edition of the
India Day festival will be held in the capital. The festival will be timed to the 79th anniversary of India’s independence and the 78th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Russia. More than 25 thematic platforms and 40 restaurant zones are waiting for guests. TV BRICS is the international media partner of the event.

The main location, as before, will be the Dream Island Landscape Park, where visitors will be able to enjoy a rich programme featuring professional dancers, yoga teachers, chefs, Ayurvedic pratices and Bollywood artists. A key event will be the launch of the Maha Kumbh Mela zone, a unique space dedicated to one of India’s biggest festivals. Schoolchildren will also be able to immerse themselves in the traditions – a drawing competition “Maha Kumbh Mela in Moscow: Children’s Look” has been launched for them.

Specially for the festival’s anniversary, the organisers have established awards in 10 categories for contributions to the Russian-Indian dialogue – from spiritual practices and cinematography to science, business, and humanitarian initiatives. The jury members include Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Vladimir Medinsky, Head of the Interdepartmental Commission for Historical Education of Russia, Aleksey Maslov, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, Oleg Yastrebov, Rector of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), and others.

“This year, as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of India Day and the 80th anniversary of Russia’s historic victory in the Great Patriotic War, we honour our common values of peace, friendship and mutual respect. This festival is a living bridge between countries, uniting communities through culture, heritage and dialogue,” said Sammy Kotwani, founder of the festival and president of the Indian Cultural and National Centre SITA.

Besides the traditional holi zone, Bollywood film screenings, Janmashtami festival and Ratha Yatra chariot festival, guests will be treated to gastronomic diversity and handmade goods. A fair of spices, jewellery, fabrics and cosmetics will have over 150 exhibitors. In addition, children and adults will be able to take part in a chess championship.

The India Day festival, organised by the Indian Cultural and National Centre SITA, will be held with the support of the Moscow Government and the Roscongress Foundation.

Photo:
India Day Festival