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India International Dance and Music Festival: 350 artists from 33 countries shine at Chandigarh University
The festival is being organised in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs. Haryana Minister of Heritage and Tourism Arvind Kumar Sharma was the chief guest, while ICCR Director General K Nandini Singla attended the event as the guest of honour.
Artists perform on the first day of International Dance and Music Festival at Chandigarh University, Gharuan. Express
The opening day of the two-day India International Dance and Music Festival 2026 “One World, Many Cultures” at Chandigarh University on Monday saw mesmerising performances by over 350 international artists from 33 countries.
The festival is being organised in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs. Haryana Minister of Heritage and Tourism Arvind Kumar Sharma was the chief guest, while ICCR Director General K Nandini Singla attended the event as the guest of honour.
The 15-member Folklore Ensemble ‘Aalam’ and Dance Group ‘Ademi’ from Kyrgyz Republic performing during the International Dance and Music Festival 2026 at Chandigarh University Gharuan.
Satnam Singh Sandhu, Rajya Sabha member and Chancellor, Chandigarh University, was also present.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said, “This international festival truly reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means the world is one family. Such platforms are vital for cultural exchange as they bring nations closer and foster harmony, mutual respect and global understanding. These interactions help students learn about diverse cultures, rituals and traditions while simultaneously introducing international participants to India’s rich heritage.”
Sandhu highlighted the role of art in strengthening global ties. “Art is a universal language and the strongest medium to bring nations together. Chandigarh University remains committed to promoting cultural diplomacy and projecting India as a rising global power. Today, more than 3,000 international students from 65 countries are pursuing their education at CU, reflecting India’s growing appeal as a global education hub,” he said.
Enthralling performances by folk and contemporary dance groups from Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia further captivated the audience.
Singla termed the festival a unique cultural platform. “This initiative allows foreign students to showcase their art in India, while Indian students get opportunities to perform abroad. Indian dance forms and folk traditions are now admired worldwide, thanks to sustained efforts by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of External Affairs,” she said.
Dressed in colourful traditional attire, international troupes participated in a vibrant cultural procession on the CU campus, celebrating unity in diversity. Spectacular performances were delivered by artists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Lithuania, Uzbekistan and Burkina Faso, along with performers from over 25 other countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana and Madagascar.
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The opening performance featured the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival led by Dr L Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam in collaboration with renowned Kazakh ensembles. Enthralling performances by folk and contemporary dance groups from Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia further captivated the audience.
The festival stood as a powerful celebration of multicultural harmony, reinforcing the message that art transcends borders and unites humanity.
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