The festival was, which was organised by the Embassy of India in Russia, in collaboration with the Moscow City Government and the Indian Women’s Association, was hosted at Manezhnaya Square.
The open-air celebration transformed the capital’s central plaza into a vibrant showcase of India’s cultural richness.
The grounds were decorated to resemble a tropical paradise with lush greenery, an artificial waterfall, traditional Indian artefacts, and designated relaxation areas. Visitors were treated to a sensory immersion into India’s diverse heritage, with two stages hosting more than 500 cultural performances.
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Over 150 Indian artists, along with cultural troupes from Indian communities across Russia, delivered daily presentations ranging from classical and folk dances to yoga and meditation sessions. In addition, more than 350 Russian performers, currently studying Indian dance and music, brought their own colour and energy to the programme.
Among the ten interactive zones, crowds flocked to the elaborate photo installations featuring life-size replicas of Indian landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and India Gate. A major highlight of the event was a live demonstration of sand art by internationally acclaimed artist Sudam Pradhan from Odisha, which drew particular acclaim from both Russian and Indian attendees.
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Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, emphasised the significance of the event in reinforcing the cultural bridge between the two nations. He praised the warmth of Indo-Russian relations and their long-standing historical ties.
Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation, Vinay Kumar, also addressed the gathering and acknowledged the collective effort that made the festival a success. “India and Russia share a special and privileged strategic partnership, which continues to deepen through such cultural initiatives,” he said.
With diplomatic ties between India and Russia growing stronger, such events highlight the role of cultural exchange in attacting more tourists between the two countries.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
