A Celebration of Cultural Exchange
The India–Africa Dance & Music Festival 2026 will be held on 23 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together nearly 165 artists from India and across Africa. The event will present a specially curated 90-minute production that places Indian classical and folk traditions alongside African indigenous music and dance forms in a shared performance of cultural dialogue.
Organised Through Cultural Diplomacy
The festival is being presented by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous organisation under India’s Ministry of External Affairs established in 1950 to promote cultural relations with countries around the world. ICCR regularly organises international festivals, artist exchanges, and scholarship programmes as part of India’s cultural diplomacy efforts.
Performance Highlights
The programme will feature a wide range of artistic traditions from both continents.
- Indian classical and folk dance forms
- African indigenous music and movement traditions
- Collaborative ensemble performances
- A 90-minute staged production involving nearly 165 performers
A Venue for International Events
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The festival will take place at Bharat Mandapam, the convention and exhibition centre at Pragati Maidan that opened in 2023. The venue has hosted several major international events and has become a key site for cultural and diplomatic programmes in the capital.
Strengthening India-Africa Relations
The event coincides with broader efforts to deepen ties between India and African nations through education, trade, and cultural cooperation. By presenting traditional art forms on a common stage, the festival highlights historical connections and contemporary partnerships between the two regions.
Visitor Information
The festival is open to the public and does not require an entry fee.
| Event Name | Details |
| Title | India–Africa Dance & Music Festival 2026 |
| Artist | Nearly 165 artists from India and Africa |
| Venue | Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan |
| City | New Delhi |
| Exhibition Dates | 23 May 2026 |
| Organiser | Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) |
| Entry / Tickets | Free Entry |
| Website / Registration | Registration Link |
Visitors may also follow updates through ICCR’s official website and social media channels.
A Shared Stage for Artistic Traditions
The India–Africa Dance & Music Festival 2026 offers audiences an opportunity to experience how traditional performance practices can create dialogue across continents. By bringing together artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, the event underscores the continuing role of music and dance in building mutual understanding and strengthening international cultural ties.
