Bharat Utsav — Festival of India in Moscow

From 5–13 July 2025, Manezhnaya Square in Moscow blossomed into a colourful, fragrant slice of India as Bharat Utsav — Festival of India welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to enjoy music, dance, food, crafts and wellness. Organised by the Embassy of India in collaboration with the Moscow City Government and cultural partners, the nine-day festival formed part of the city’s “Summer in Moscow” programme and offered an immersive introduction to India’s unity in diversity.

Each day featured a rich programme: classical dance and music, folk performances from different states, lively Bollywood medleys, yoga and meditation sessions, family workshops, and a bustling food zone showcasing regional specialties (mango lovers especially rejoiced!). Visitors could attend masterclasses, meet artisans, and try their hand at traditional crafts — all against the dramatic backdrop of central Moscow.

The festival’s scale was impressive: reports indicate over 800,000 visitors and more than 150 artists participating across 500+ events, making Bharat Utsav a major cultural moment for India–Russia ties this summer. The choice of Manezhnaya Square — adjacent to the Kremlin and Red Square — brought this celebration into a very public, symbolic space, underlining the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange.

Bharat Utsav was a colorful reminder that food, music, art and shared experiences make powerful bridges between cultures. We look forward to more such collaborations that celebrate India’s heritage and connect communities in Moscow .Here are some pics of the event.