Bharat Utsav in Moscow attracted over 8 lakh visitors who experienced Indian arts, dance, food, yoga, and heritage. Held from July 5 to 13, the nine-day festival featured 500+ events and showcased traditions from several Indian States

Moscow: From yoga and meditation to spicy Indian cuisine, over 8 lakh Muscovites were treated to ‘everything Indian’ at Bharat Utsav, which concluded in Moscow.

The nine-day festival, held from July 5 to 13 at Manezhnaya Square, one of Moscow’s central venues, recorded a massive footfall of 8,25,000 guests who experienced Indian culture, food, arts, fashion, and above all, unity in diversity. Over 150 invited artists and craftsmen from India conducted creative classes and introduced guests to the culture and traditions of India.

A wide variety of programmes with more than 500 events were conducted. Indian States such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Kashmir, Nagaland, Gujarat, Odisha and others showcased their respective arts, culture and heritage.

The festival was held as part of the large-scale project ‘Summer in Moscow’. Visitors learnt the basics of yoga and Hindi, explored the movements of Kathak and Odissi, immersed themselves in the vibrant world of Bollywood and tasted authentic Indian food. Many tried wearing saris, applied henna and learnt traditional Indian painting and more.

Dance performances and concerts introduced the visitors to Indian culture in all its diversity. Muscovites and tourists got acquainted with episodes from Indian epics and the art of different regions.

Among the most popular events of the festival were meditation classes, along with lectures and yoga sessions. The teachers were representatives of various Russian studios and the Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India. They taught asanas, breathing techniques and yoga philosophy.

At the Indian goods fair, visitors enjoyed the aromas of essential oils from Kannauj, elite tea varieties, wood carvings from Jodhpur, blue ceramics from Rajasthan and pashmina shawls from Kashmir. The Indian food courts were a big hit with tourists.