President Droupadi Murmu on Friday inaugurated the second edition of the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav at Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad. The nine-day cultural festival, being organised by Rashtrapati Nilayam in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Tourism, will be open to the public from November 22 to 30.
The event aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience folk traditions of western India through handicrafts, dance, music, literature and regional cuisine.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, President Murmu recalled that the first edition of Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav introduced audiences to the cultural legacy of Northeast India. She said the 2025 edition offers a chance to witness the vibrant traditions of western India and expressed confidence that the festival will give visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s folk culture.
The President noted that the Government of India has been taking various steps to connect citizens—especially the youth—with the country’s cultural heritage. Events like Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav, she said, allow people from different parts of the country to understand one another, widen perspectives and encourage respect for India’s diverse traditions. She added that such platforms also inspire citizens to contribute to the preservation of heritage.
She expressed confidence that the festival would draw large public participation.
Governor of Telangana Jishnu Dev Varma, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Telangana Minister for Panchayati Raj, Rural Development and Women and Child Welfare D. Anasuya Seethakka and Gujarat Minister for Tribal Development, Khadi, Cottage and Rural Industries Naresh Maganbhai Patel were present on the occasion.
The Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav will remain open to the public from November 22 to 30, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Entry is free. Online booking can be done through the official website, while an on-the-spot booking facility will also be available for walk-in visitors.