The India Day cultural festival is set to kick off on Thursday at Dream Islands landscape park in Moscow and will run through August 18, according to TASS. The event brings together a diverse crowd and showcases a vibrant cross-cultural celebration that highlights the richness of Indian traditions alongside international participation.
Organizers confirm that the grand opening will begin at noon, featuring officials and delegates from more than 30 foreign diplomatic missions. Ambassadors representing India, Namibia, Thailand, Bolivia, and several other nations are expected to attend, signaling strong diplomatic ties and a spirit of global cultural exchange around this festive period.
This year the festival centers on the theme of “Family,” a focal point that aligns with India’s Independence Day and marks the 78th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and India. The chosen focus underscores shared values, community bonds, and the role of family in celebrating heritage across generations.
After the formal program, attendees will be invited to explore themed zones designed to immerse them in Indian culture. Visitors can anticipate a lively slate of dance performances, traditional Indian cuisine tastings, and a variety of activities that celebrate regional diversity. Organizers anticipate the presence of around 200 dancers and music groups, reflecting a broad spectrum of Indian performing arts and musical styles.
In addition, the festival will host a prominent Indian fair featuring more than 120 stores. This marketplace will offer a wide array of crafts, textiles, jewelry, and culinary specialties, providing guests with ample opportunities to engage with vendors and discover regional products from across India.
Earlier reports indicated that the organizer was in Chechnya the day prior to the event, preparing for the All-Russian National Festival of Theatres. Over a seven-day period, the festival will present 13 performances from theatres representing Khakassia, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Adygea, Mari El, Dagestan, Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, the Chechen Republic, Orenburg, and South Ossetia. These selections were made by the festival’s expert council to ensure a diverse and high-quality slate of productions that resonate with audiences across regions.
There were previous plans to stage a show inspired by the songs The King and the Clown in six Russian cities, aiming to bring a compelling musical narrative to multiple audiences and showcase a blend of theatrical storytelling with contemporary performance styles.