KUWAIT CITY, Feb 14: The Embassy of India in Kuwait, in association with the Touristic Enterprise Company (TEC) of Kuwait, organized Bharat Mela, a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural diversity, culinary traditions, and artistic heritage, on Friday, 13 February 2026, at the scenic beachfront of Green Island on Arabian Gulf Road, Kuwait. More than 2,50,000 people attended the Bharat Mela, including members of the Indian community, the diplomatic community, and nationals of diverse countries, including Kuwait.

The day-long, family-friendly festival transformed the venue into a lively showcase of India’s unity in diversity. The Bharat Mela was inaugurated by Mrs. Paramita Tripathi, Ambassador-Designate of India to Kuwait, with the festive beats of Kerala’s traditional ‘Panchavadyam’ and the lighting of the traditional ceremonial lamp.

In her Welcome Remarks, Ambassador Tripathi underscored the importance of cultural engagement in fostering mutual understanding and further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between India and Kuwait. She highlighted the constructive role of the Indian community in Kuwait in deepening bilateral ties and appreciated their continued efforts in promoting people-to-people connections between the two countries.

Spread over the picturesque beachfront of the Green Island in Kuwait, Bharat Mela offered visitors an immersive cultural experience through a wide range of attractions:

Culinary Delights: Visitors enjoyed a rich spread of Indian regional cuisines, featuring aromatic northern dishes, distinctive southern flavours, popular street food, traditional meals, and festive sweets, offering a flavourful journey through India’s diverse culinary landscape.

Live Performances: A spectacular line-up of 57 performances, featuring classical and folk dances, traditional music, performance yoga, traditional martial arts, and contemporary cultural presentations by more than 700 artists in vibrant traditional attire, showcased the richness and diversity of India’s regional identities. Performances by the Dawoodi Bohra community's ‘Burhani Band’ and the traditional ‘Panchvadyam’ ensemble were widely appreciated by the audience. Energetic flash-mob performances and the rhythmic beats of Punjabi dhols further elevated the festive atmosphere, adding to the enthusiasm and celebratory spirit.

Cultural Exhibits and Interactive Experiences: Displays of textiles, handicrafts, artistic traditions, tourism destinations, and cultural showcases highlighted India’s centuries-old craftsmanship and living traditions. Interactive segments included presentations of Indian attire, henna art, bangle and bindi wearing experience, and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative.

More than 30 stalls were set up at Bharat Mela offering culinary experiences, handicrafts, and games. There was a dedicated children’s play area to keep the young ones engaged. The energetic emcees, the cultural coordinators and the performers, from around 4 years to more than 60 years, ensured colourful and energetic performances on stage which were hosted throughout the day and ensured an atmosphere of festivity and fun.

Held from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the open-to-public event, with free entry, created a welcoming space by the sea where families and cultural enthusiasts could experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of India in a joyful open-air setting.

More than a cultural festival, Bharat Mela served as a meaningful bridge between communities, offering Kuwaiti society a glimpse into India’s spirit of unity in diversity and an opportunity to experience its living traditions firsthand.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait expressed its sincere appreciation to all sponsors, participants, performers, volunteers, and attendees for their support in making Bharat Mela 2026 a resounding success and a true celebration of India’s vibrant cultural heritage.