1st-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival:
The first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival is being held in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, showcasing the rich musical heritage of all seven BIMSTEC countries.
- A regional cultural event featuring traditional music performances by artists from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand under the BIMSTEC framework.
- Hosted in: New Delhi, at Bharat Mandapam, symbolizing India’s role as a cultural anchor in the region.
- Theme: “SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody” — celebrating unity in diversity through musical traditions.
- Organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs.
- Aim is to promote regional integration, foster cultural dialogue, and deepen people-to-people ties among BIMSTEC member countries.
- Artists from all seven BIMSTEC nations present their indigenous music, building regional camaraderie.
- The festival is free and open to all, encouraging inclusive public participation and awareness.
- Reinforces India’s use of cultural diplomacy to lead BIMSTEC’s cultural cooperation track.
- Follow-up to BIMSTEC Summit Commitment: Implements Prime Minister of India announcement at the April 2025 BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.
- Symbol of BIMSTEC Cultural Integration marks a shift from economic focus to a holistic regional identity, integrating art, music, and heritage.
