Chandigarh University Hosts International Dance & Music Festival 2026, Showcasing Artists from 33 Countries in a Celebration of Global Culture!

In a grand global celebration of art, multiculturalism, and timeless traditions, Chandigarh University, in association with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Ministry of External Affairs, organized the India International Dance and Music Festival 2026 – One World, Many Cultures, in which more than 350 international artists from 33 countries delivered mesmerizing artistic performances on the opening day of the two-day festival.

 

Renowned as the house of students from all 28 states, 8 Union Territories, and 68+ countries, Chandigarh University has been hosting this mega event in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which promotes India’s global cultural engagement through exchanges, festivals, scholarships for foreign students, and showcases Indian arts while welcoming international cultural delegations.

 

Dressed in colourful traditional attire, the troupes of artists showcased the beauty of the indigenous music and dance cultures of their respective countries. All the cultural troupes from various nations partake in the procession on the Chandigarh University campus, celebrating the diverse cultures and unity in diversity. 

 

During the India International Dance and Music Festival 2026, spectacular performances were given by troupes of artists from Kazakhstan & LGMF group (74 members), Kyrgyzstan (15 members), Malaysia (17 members), Maldives (11 members), Lithuania (8 members), Uzbekistan (9 members), and Burkina Faso (9 members). Additionally, artists from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Lesotho, Myanmar, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Angola, Malawi, Cameroon, Syria, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Congo, Thailand, Uganda, Mali, Namibia, Kenya, Somalia, Ghana, and Madagascar also dazzled the audience with their bewitching performances. 

 

In the opening performance of the day, the 80-member Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival group, presented by Dr. L. Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam, took the center stage featuring Astana Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Choir of the Aktobe Regional Philharmonic, and Dance Ensemble 'Gakku' from Kazakhstan. The 'Gakku' group, renowned for their fast-paced performances and traditional ballet style, showcased the history of Kazakhstan, the bravery of their horsemen, and the beauty of their vast open landscapes through their dance. 

 

Furthermore, the audience was completely captivated by the 15-member Folklore Ensemble 'Aalam' and Dance Group 'Ademi' from the Osh Regional Philharmonic, Kyrgyz Republic. The word 'Aalam' means 'World' or 'Universe' in the 'Kyrgyz' language. It symbolizes the ensemble's mission to represent the rich heritage and traditions of Kyrgyzstan on the global stage. It symbolizes the ensemble's mission to represent the rich heritage and traditions of Kyrgyzstan on the global stage. Through their energetic and traditional dance forms, performers brought Kyrgyz folk tales to life, celebrated the courage of horsemen, and showcased the vibrant cultural tapestry of the country's nomadic heritage. Moreover, their performance was a vivid portrayal of Kyrgyz culture, connecting the audience to the rhythms, stories, and spirit of Central Asia. 

 

Adding additional charm to the international spectacle, a 17-member troupe from Sutra Foundation from Malaysia presented their piece 'Radhe-Radhe: The Sweet Surrender'. This performance was inspired by Indian devotional traditions, celebrating timeless love and devotion associated with  Lord Krishna and Radha. The name itself conveys surrender, devotion, and harmony, reflecting the ensemble's mission to connect cultures through music and dance. 

 

Along with graceful choreography and emotive expressions, the team not only highlighted the universality of Indian art forms but also bridged the gap between Indian and Malaysian cultural narratives. Furthermore, artists from other countries, including the Maldives, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, and Burkina Faso, also delivered mesmerizing dance and music performances representing their respective cultures.