The first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the event. Artists from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand performed at the musical evening. Organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the festival called 'SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody', witnessed the celebration of the distinct musical traditions of the seven BIMSTEC countries.
This inaugural edition marked a significant cultural milestone in BIMSTEC cooperation. The genesis of this cultural initiative can be traced to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's affirmation at the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand in April 2025 of India's commitment to strengthening regional cultural ties through music by hosting the first BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in India.
May 27, 2025
Madhubani, Gond artists showcase traditional art forms at Rashtrapati Bhavan
A group of artists called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu today (May 26, 2025) as part of the Artists in Residence programme in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The traditional art forms of India are being showcased in Artists in Residence programme - Kala Utsav in their original forms.
This Kala Utsav has also provided a platform to the folk, tribal and traditional artists of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan who have continued the varied forms of art since generations.
The artists of Gond art of Madhya Pradesh and Madhubani art of Bihar are staying at Rashtrapati Bhavan from May 20 to 27, 2025 under the Artists-in-Residence programme.
The President witnessed their paintings created during their stay at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
She appreciated their contribution to India's important traditional art forms and wished them success in their future artistic endeavour.