President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav 2025 at Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad on Friday, marking the formal opening of the second edition of the cultural festival. The event drew officials, artists and invited guests, and highlighted a wide range of traditions from western India.
The President was received earlier in the afternoon at Begumpet Airport by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy before proceeding to the venue. The ceremony at Rashtrapati Nilayam featured traditional performances and a presentation on the vision of the festival, which celebrates the breadth of India’s cultural and artistic heritage. This year’s Mahotsav is showcasing the cultural, culinary and artistic practices of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu. Exhibitions, live craft demonstrations, regional cuisine counters and performance spaces have been arranged across the grounds of the Nilayam to offer visitors an immersive experience of the participating regions.
Officials said the festival aims to promote artistic exchange and provide a national platform for practitioners representing both well known and lesser known traditions. The displays include textiles, folk arts, classical and folk performances, and cuisine distinctive to each region. The inaugural day saw steady footfall, with guests moving through the curated sections that have been set up for the week long event. Artists expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present their work before a diverse audience in a setting of national significance.
The President’s visit underscored the importance of cultural preservation and the role of such festivals in strengthening national unity. The event at Rashtrapati Nilayam will continue over the coming days with a schedule of performances and cultural interactions featuring participants from across the six regions.
