The vibrant and colorful Festival of India – Bharat Utsav concluded in Moscow on July 13, drawing an astounding 825,000 visitors to Manezhnaya Square over nine days. Held as part of the flagship “Summer in Moscow” project, the grand celebration of Indian culture featured more than 500 diverse events and showcased over 150 artists and craftsmen from across India.
The festival was a massive hit with both Muscovites and tourists, offering a dynamic platform to experience India’s rich cultural heritage through dance, music, food, art, and traditional crafts. States including Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Kashmir, Nagaland, Gujarat, and Odisha contributed to the planning and execution, bringing regional flavors and talents to the international stage.
Visitors immersed themselves in yoga and Hindi language classes, Kathak and Odissi dance demonstrations, and vibrant Bollywood performances. Authentic Indian food stalls served everything from vegetarian delicacies to spicy meat dishes, and guests were treated to masala tea and fresh Indian mangoes. The Indian goods fair featured pashmina shawls from Kashmir, blue pottery from Rajasthan, wood carvings from Jodhpur, Kannauj’s essential oils, and premium Indian teas.
Interactive zones allowed guests to try on saris, apply henna, and learn traditional Indian painting techniques. Meditation classes, cultural lectures, and yoga sessions led by Russian instructors and the Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India further deepened the cultural exchange.
The Moscow City Tourism Committee emphasized the festival’s success in enhancing the Russian capital’s image as a global tourist hub. India now ranks second among non-CIS countries in terms of tourist arrivals to Moscow. With 59% of Indian tourists preferring Indian cuisine due to dietary and cultural reasons, the festival provided a comfortable and engaging environment, strengthening Moscow’s appeal as a welcoming destination.
According to recent tourism surveys, one in four Indian travelers express interest in visiting Moscow, citing its friendliness compared to other European cities. Bharat Utsav has further cemented Moscow’s position as a culturally inclusive and vibrant international destination.
