Why in news?
India hosted the first ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in August 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, showcasing the musical heritage of all seven member countries.
About the festival
- The festival was organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs.
- It carried the theme “Sapta Sur: Seven Nations, One Melody” and featured musicians from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
- The event celebrated shared cultural heritage and fostered goodwill ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit held in April 2025.
- Performances were open to the public, with free entry to encourage wider participation.
Significance
- Strengthens cultural diplomacy and reinforces the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).
- Promotes intangible heritage, supports tourism and provides a platform for artists from different traditions.
- Helps deepen regional integration and complements economic and security cooperation in BIMSTEC.
The success of the festival may inspire regular cultural exchanges and deepen people‑to‑people ties among Bay of Bengal nations.
