The Festival of India – Bharat Utsav 2025 has officially begun in the heart of Moscow, bringing a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, art, dance, music, and wellness to the Russian capital. Running from July 5 to July 13, the festival is being held at Manezhnaya Square, just steps from Red Square, and is organized in collaboration with the Moscow Government and the Embassy of India in Russia.
Part of the broader “Summer in Moscow” initiative, which features over 1,000 cultural and educational events, Bharat Utsav offers Muscovites and tourists an immersive experience into India’s diverse cultural traditions. The venue has been transformed into an exotic Indian-themed garden, complete with lush greenery, traditional decor, and wellness zones where visitors can participate in yoga sessions, meditation, and classical dance masterclasses led by experienced Indian instructors.
The festival highlights India’s performing arts with live shows by artists from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, and more. Traditional dance forms like Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, and Singri are being showcased alongside songs in Maithili and Tamil, giving the audience a taste of India’s linguistic and artistic diversity. Guests can also enjoy a special family-friendly performance, ‘Cinderella in Indian: A Love Story’, as well as modern regional music and popular Bollywood hits.
Adding to the excitement is an interactive quiz called ‘Discover India’, and a large-scale art and handicrafts exhibition where visitors can view and purchase authentic Indian ceramics, paintings, wooden carvings, textiles, and traditional clothing from various regions of India.
According to Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, the growing popularity of Indian culture in Moscow is evident. “The interest in Indian culture among both Muscovites and visitors remains exceptionally strong,” he noted, citing the 7,000 participants at International Yoga Day in June as proof of this engagement.
India has become an important tourism market for Moscow, now ranking second among non-CIS countries in terms of tourist arrivals. Cultural diplomacy is being further strengthened through business and travel collaborations. As part of this growing bond, next week hundreds of Indian and Russian hospitality professionals will gather in Moscow for the OTOAI Convention, organized by the Association of Outbound Tourism Operators of India with support from the Moscow Government.
With its rich mix of wellness, heritage, performance arts, crafts, and culinary culture, Bharat Utsav 2025 stands as a shining symbol of the warm and growing ties between India and Russia. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a traveler, or a curious passerby, this festival offers a rare opportunity to experience the colors and rhythms of India right in the heart of Moscow.
