International ,24 July ,2025 ( TGN) : Tokyo– In a powerful display of India’s rich cultural tapestry, the Indian Embassy in Tokyo hosted a 12-hour-long Cultural Mahakumbh as part of the “India i.e. Bharat 2025 – Celebrating Amritkaal.” The event offered an immersive experience into India’s classical and folk traditions through an uninterrupted series of enthralling performances.
The event was virtually inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Culture of India. In Tokyo, the ceremonial lamp was jointly lit by Mr. Takeshi Saito, Hon’ble Mayor of Edogawa City, Ambassador Sibi George, and Madam Joice Sibi, symbolizing the confluence of Indian and Japanese cultural values.
Throughout the day, the stage became a vibrant canvas of India’s artistic heritage. Classical forms were at the forefront: a Kathak Tarana by the Masako Satou Group, a Bharatanatyam duet by Sanya and Shubhra, and elegant Odissi performances by Yoko Kita, Mayumi Fukushima, and Sachiko Ito all captivated the audience with their finesse. Artist Erina Kasai also presented a solo Bharatanatyam piece, highlighting the growing global appeal of Indian classical dance.
In the realm of music, a Tabla–Sitar jugalbandi by Shigeru Moriyama and Akiko Kokubo, a Tabla solo by the Moriyama Group, and a soulful vocal recital by the Dharmarajan Group offered sonic depth. Suranjana Sarkar’s evocative Rabindra Sangeet performance lent a poetic interlude.
India’s diverse folk traditions were represented with equal vigor. The Awadh Rhythm Group and MBDS Group presented exuberant Rajasthani dances, while Debapriya Mazumdar brought Bengal’s earthy rhythms to life. A powerful Kalaripayattu display by Nidheesh Karimbil and team invoked the spirit of India’s martial traditions. The Assam Bordoisilas group showcased the vibrancy of the Northeast, while Rahul Bharti Group’s Bhangra electrified the atmosphere. Shreekala Bollaje’s Yakshagana, Karnataka’s rich dance-drama form, was a visual masterpiece. The evening also saw a rhythmic high, thanks to Ayako Sekimoto’s Charika Group, whose Punjabi beats performance had the audience dancing with joy.
This extraordinary cultural confluence underscored not only India’s artistic depth but also the growing resonance of its soft power abroad. This cultural Mahakumbh reaffirmed India and Japan’s shared appreciation for tradition, performance, and cultural diplomacy
