BRICS Cultural Festival 2026 Showcases Cultural Heritage Of Six Nations In Bhopal

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Under India's BRICS Chairmanship 2026, the BRICS Cultural Festival 2026 was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, on Thursday at Ravindra Bhavan in the city.

Held on the second day of the 3rd BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting, artists from BRICS member and participating countries presented their traditional cultural performances, offering a rich glimpse into their respective heritages while strengthening the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual cooperation.

The festival was anchored in the essence of "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah" (May all be happy), reflecting India's civilizational philosophy of universal peace, harmony, and collective well-being.

Aligning with the theme of India’s BRICS Chairmanship 2026—“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Continuity”—the event marked a significant step toward deepening cultural exchange and people-to-people ties among nations.

The programme commenced with a colourful Cultural Parade of participating countries, featuring delegations from Belarus, Brazil, Indonesia, the Russian Federation, the United Arab Emirates, and host nation India, setting the tone for global unity and cultural harmony.

Artists from the Gennady Tsitovich National Academic Folk Choir of the Republic of Belarus enthralled the audience with traditional Belarusian folk songs and playful folk dances.

The Afro-Brazilian tradition of Capoeira was presented, captivating attendees with a unique fusion of martial arts, dance, music, and acrobatics. Performers delivered the traditional Balinese welcome dance Puspanjali, followed by a staging of the famous Javanese dance-drama "The Legend of Roro Jonggrang," inspired by the Prambanan temple.

Soloists from the National Academic Folk Instruments Orchestra of Russia delivered musical performances utilizing traditional instruments such as the balalaika, bayan, alto domra, and contrabass balalaika. Acclaimed musician Saif Al-Ali showcased Emirati and Arab musical traditions infused with contemporary influences.

The host nation presented "Maru Rang – The Heritage of Rajasthan," highlighting the rich folk culture and traditions of Rajasthan through energetic performances of Ghoomar, Chari, Kalbelia, and Bhavai dances.

The event concluded with a Grand Finale where artists from all participating nations joined on a single stage, sending a powerful message of cultural unity, mutual respect, and global harmony.

The occasion underscored the shared commitment of BRICS nations to strengthen international cooperation and deepen people-to-people connections through the power of art and culture.