Latest news with #BharatUtsav
Hans India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
India and Russia reaffirm commitment to strengthen cultural ties
Delhi: India and Russia on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral cultural and tourism ties during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi between Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Denis Alipov, the Ambassador of Russia to India. The discussions were focused on enhancing India's participation in upcoming cultural events in Russia, and broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian realm. Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), were also present at the meeting. "On July 18, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov met with Indian Minister of Culture and Tourism G S Shekhawat. During the conversation, issues of bilateral humanitarian cooperation and intercultural dialogue, as well as prospects for expanding tourist exchange between the two countries were discussed," the Russian Embassy in India posted on X. The meeting was part of a broader diplomatic agenda to deepen cultural dialogue and facilitate greater people-to-people ties between the two nations. Both the sides expressed their interests in developing sustained engagement through joint cultural initiatives as well as boosting bilateral tourism. A nine-day 'Bharat Utsav' – or Festival of India - was recently held in Moscow's Manezhnaya Square from July 5-13, celebrating India's rich culture, yoga, cuisine and crafts. The event was held as part of the major project 'Summer in Moscow', that brought together the Russian capital's most vibrant events – more than 1,000 festivals and cultural events, workshops, sports and educational activities. India and Russia have deep and historic cultural linkages. The famous Russian artist and philosopher Nicholas Roerich eventually settled in Himachal Pradesh. Writers like Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Pushkin had a profound influence on Indian literature and thought. Leading Russian universities and institutions teach Indian languages. Indian cinema was especially popular in the Soviet period with screenings in most major cities and urban centres. The popularity and ubiquity of Indian movies and actors is remembered fondly even today. Yoga is also immensely popular across Russia.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Judge Not The Jalebi
Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day. GOI directive on desi deep fried snacks misses the point: aam aadmi needs affordable, healthy options Russians visiting GOI's nine-day Bharat Utsav festivities in Moscow that concluded Sunday were raving about an Indian duo at the stalls – samosa and masala chai. Union health ministry back home may want central govt offices to put up 'oil and sugar boards' as a reminder of samosa's – and jalebi's – adverse impact on health, but the irony is, samosa/jalebi is part of what's often quasi-officially celebrated as India's contribution to global list of munchies. Two points. First, undoubtedly, pakodas, vada pav, laddoos, samosas, jalebis and their ilk are unhealthy foods. But they're free of preservatives and mostly cooked at point of sale. There's exhaustive evidence that consuming ultra-processed, packaged fried snacks high in fat and sugar is driving India's obesity problem. Yet, we still do not have front-of-pack-label regulations for packaged foods. Second, availability and affordability. Per ministry directive, these boards/ posters/cautionary signs will be put up in all canteens or stalls on the premises of central govt institutions. To alter people's consumption of transfat-rich foods, to change people's snacking behaviours, health ministry also needs to provide alternatives in these very places. The onus of eating healthy is not on people alone – what options, healthy and affordable, is the govt canteen serving? Take for instance, the 57 items Western Central Railway lists as available at its stalls. Snacks range from idli-vada-dosa to pakodas (bread/onion/paneer), samosa, cutlets and, of course, aloo bonda. Prices start at Rs 10 (kachori), upto Rs 25 (veg cutlet). The cheapest – and only healthy – snack is a boiled egg, Rs 9. Jalebi is cheaper: Rs 6. For people on the go, grabbing a vada pav is commute culture. Without providing options, cautionary signs may simply push consumers to packaged foods – that can only worsen the obesity health crisis. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
Hans India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Bharat Utsav lights up Moscow with colours of India
Moscow's iconic Manezhnaya Square turned into a vibrant celebration of Indian culture as the Festival of India – Bharat Utsav continued to captivate audiences with its rich blend of dance, music, art, and spirituality. Held from July 5 to 13, the festival is jointly organised by the Indian Embassy in Russia and the Moscow government as part of the larger 'Summer in Moscow' initiative. The day began with a soulful start as devotional and patriotic songs resonated across the square, paying homage to India's spiritual and national heritage. The Indian Embassy in Russia shared glimpses on X (formerly Twitter), writing, 'A soulful start to the day with devotional and patriotic melodies in praise of Bharat. Spiritual hymns, Russian tributes and Hindi patriotic songs echoed a message of peace and pride. VikaasBhi, ViraasatBhi!' A major highlight of the festival has been its energetic dance performances. Paying tribute to Indian cinema, Bollywood-themed shows by dance troupes electrified the atmosphere with rhythm and colour. Cultural groups also showcased classical forms such as Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, and Singri, alongside regional songs in Tamil and Maithili. The JivanNritya Group's mesmerizing performance on the 'Family of Gods: Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha' was particularly well-received. Manezhnaya Square has been transformed into an Indian cultural haven, complete with lush greenery, traditional décor, and relaxation zones designed to immerse visitors in Indian aesthetics. The grounds also host a bustling cultural fair, displaying local and Indian handicrafts such as ceramics, paintings, wooden carvings, and ethnic attire. Interactive elements like the 'Discover India' quiz offer attendees a chance to engage with Indian history and culture, while workshops and masterclasses provide hands-on experiences in Indian arts and traditions. Adding to the spiritual aspect of the event, a Raja Yoga meditation session introduced participants to the ancient Indian practice of mind control and self-realisation, promoting inner peace and mental wellness. Speaking about the growing fascination with Indian traditions in Russia, BulatNurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, said, 'Interest in Indian culture among both Muscovites and city visitors remains exceptionally strong. This was evident during International Yoga Day at VDNKh which drew 7,000 participants. With Bharat Utsav, we present another large-scale cultural initiative that strengthens Indo-Russian ties.' He further noted that Indian participants had specially travelled to Moscow to share their culture, cuisine, and traditions, making the festival a global platform for cultural exchange. As part of the 'Summer in Moscow' project, Bharat Utsav joins over 1,000 festivals and events aimed at showcasing global cultures to Muscovites. With its vibrant fusion of heritage, performance, and participatory experiences, the Festival of India has not only brought a slice of India to Russia but also deepened the cultural bond between the two nations.
India Gazette
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Indian colours bring vibrance as 'Bharat Utsav' commences in Russia
Moscow [Russia], July 10 (ANI): The festival of India--Bharat Utsav has begun in Russia and will run till July 13, the Russian Embassy said in a statement. As per the Embassy of Russia, the festival which commenced on July 5 will go on till July 13. In a statement, the Embassy noted that the festival offers visitors 'a deep dive into Indian culture through masterclasses, traditional performances, and dance shows.' Organised in collaboration with the Moscow Government and the Embassy of India in Russia, Bharat Utsav celebrates India's rich heritage, allowing attendees to experience its vibrant traditions first-hand. The festival grounds at Manezhnaya Square, just opposite Red Square, have been transformed into an exotic garden featuring lush greenery, traditional Indian decorations, and dedicated relaxation zones. The statement by the Embassy noted that experienced instructors will guide visitors in yoga and breathwork, host masterclasses in traditional dance, and lead meditation sessions. Installations depicting quintessential Indian elements were also on display as large crowds gathered to soak in the festivities. The Embassy of India in Russia also shared the details of the vibrant celebrations. It wrote on X, 'Vibrant dance performances celebrated Bollywood's spirit, from Lavani to Jai Ho! A colourful tribute to Indian cinema's rhythm and energy enthralled the audience. Vikaas Bhi, Viraasat bhi! Development and Heritage together!' Earlier today, the day began with devotional and patriotic melodies in praise of India. The Embassy of India wrote in a post on X, 'Spiritual hymns, Russian tributes and Hindi patriotic songs echoed a message of peace and pride.' Traditional dance performances from Odisha and Maharashtra, along with sessions on Yoga and meditation, drew in scores of curious enthusiasts. Other notable events included sessions on Raja Yoga, Ayurveda for well-being, Mohiniyattam, and Bollywood music, particularly Raj Kapoor's songs, which were the centre of attention. Cultural workshops, a Kuchipudi performance, and traditional Indian music enchanted the large gathering in Moscow. The event underscored the longstanding, deep, and historic cultural linkages between India and Russia. The India-Russia relationship has remained strong and stable for over 75 years. The Ministry of External Affairs had previously underscored in a statement that the India-Russia partnership has been among the steadiest in the contemporary era, with a shared commitment to a multipolar world, as well as to expanding engagement beyond traditional military, nuclear, and space cooperation. (ANI)
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Indian colours in downtown Moscow
The festival of India in Moscow runs from July 5 to July 13, offering visitors a deep dive into Indian culture through masterclasses, traditional performances, and dance shows. Organized in collaboration with the Moscow Government and the Embassy of India in Russia, Bharat Utsav celebrates India's rich heritage, allowing attendees to experience its vibrant traditions firsthand. The festival grounds at Manezhnaya Square, just opposite Red Square, have been transformed into an exotic garden featuring lush greenery, traditional Indian decorations, and dedicated relaxation zones. Here experienced instructors will guide visitors in yoga and breathwork, host masterclasses in traditional dance, and lead meditation sessions. Festival guests can also explore how classical Indian dance enhances physical and emotional well-being. Artists from the Indian states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland and others will perform at the festival. The program will feature modern regional music alongside a medley of Bollywood hits. Both adults and children can enjoy unique performances, including 'Cinderella in Indian: A Love Story.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bargain Prices on Unsold Container Houses in Cavite - Check Them Out! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo The audience will get acquainted with dances in traditional folk styles – Kathak, Singri, Bharatnatyam and Odissi - and will hear songs in Maithili and Tamil. Guests of the festival will also be able to take part in the interactive quiz 'Discover India'. Live Events Additionally, an exhibition of Indian art from various regions has opened on Manezhnaya Square. The country's fair will showcase local ceramics, paintings, traditional clothing, wooden carvings, and other handicrafts. India is an important tourist market for Moscow, ranking as second-largest country in terms of tourist flow among non—CIS countries. "Interest in Indian culture among both Muscovites and city visitors remains exceptionally strong. This was demonstrated in June when VDNKh hosted 7,000 participants for International Yoga Day. We're delighted to now present another large-scale cultural initiative arranged on behalf of the Moscow Government that further strengthens these ties. Indian participants have come specially to Moscow to share their country's rich traditions, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine with residents and visitors." - said Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. Moscow is actively strengthening not only cultural, but also business ties with India. Next week, hundreds of hospitality industry professionals, including employees of leading Moscow and Indian companies, will meet at the OTOAI Convention in Moscow. It is organised by the Association of Outbound Tourism Operators of India, together with the support of the Moscow Government. The Festival of India is held as part of the major project 'Summer in Moscow'. It brings together the capital's most vibrant events – more than 1,000 festivals and cultural events, workshops, sports and educational activities.
