Summary:
India hosted the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in New Delhi, celebrating the rich musical heritage of South Asia. Artists from all seven BIMSTEC nations came together to perform folk, classical, and spiritual music, showcasing a shared cultural legacy. Held at Bharat Mandapam, the festival also promoted India’s vision of cultural diplomacy. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar praised the event’s role in strengthening regional unity through traditional arts. The event also highlighted how music can bridge diplomatic and cultural gaps. This unique gathering sets the tone for deeper people-to-people connections among BIMSTEC countries.
What is the BIMSTEC Music Festival?
The BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival is a special event organized by India to celebrate the cultural harmony between member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. The festival focuses on traditional music forms, including folk songs, classical styles, and age-old art. It aims to bring together the sounds and stories of different cultures into one shared platform.
Who Participated in the Event
All seven BIMSTEC countries took part in the music festival—India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. Each nation sent traditional musicians and performers who shared their country’s unique cultural sounds. From Bhutanese folk music to Sri Lankan drums and Nepalese chants, the performances reflected the diverse history and beauty of the region.
Key Highlights from Bharat Mandapam
The festival was hosted at Bharat Mandapam, a grand venue in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The stage was filled with colorful lights, symbols, and decorations representing the BIMSTEC nations. Fusion acts and group performances made the event lively and memorable. It wasn’t just about songs—it was about the spirit of unity expressed through the power of traditional sounds.
Read more about the detailed event experience here.
India’s Role in BIMSTEC Cultural Ties
India played a key role in organizing and promoting the music festival as part of its cultural diplomacy strategy. Through events like this, India shows that diplomacy isn’t always political—it can also be about people, music, and shared emotions. This initiative helps India connect with its neighbors using culture and tradition as common ground.
Message from Foreign Minister Jaishankar
Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, gave a touching speech during the event. He said that cultural harmony is very important in today’s complicated world. According to him, traditional music is a soft but strong tool to build peace and understanding. His message highlighted the power of culture to unite nations in meaningful ways.
Why This Festival Matters Regionally
This first-of-its-kind music festival goes beyond entertainment. It helps promote tourism, encourages youth to learn traditional arts, and supports cultural preservation. It shows that countries can come together not just for trade or security—but also to celebrate what makes them human: their shared heritage and creativity.
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