Chandigarh University is hosting 2026 International Dance & Music festival, showcases 33 nations

Chandigarh University, in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Ministry of External Affairs , is hosting the India International Dance and Music Festival 2026 – One World, Many Cultures from January 20–21, 2026, bringing together more than 350 artists from 33 countries in a grand celebration of global arts, culture, and traditions. The two-day festival opened on Monday, January 20, 2026, with vibrant processions and mesmerizing performances that highlighted the richness of cultural diversity and the power of art as a universal language.

Speaking at the event, Satnam Singh Sandhu , Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, said, “Art connects nations, fosters friendship, and strengthens India’s global image. Through cultural exchange, we are able to project India as a rising world power while nurturing relationships with nations across the globe. The festival underscores our commitment to promoting multicultural harmony, preserving traditions, and engaging with the world through art.”

The opening day witnessed spectacular performances from international troupes. The Kazakhstan LGMF group along with the Dance Ensemble ‘Gakku’ showcased traditional ballet and folk narratives celebrating the bravery of horsemen and the vast Kazakh landscapes. The Kyrgyz Republic’s Folklore Ensemble ‘Aalam’ and Dance Group ‘Ademi’ portrayed nomadic heritage and vibrant folk tales, illustrating the country’s rich cultural tapestry. From Malaysia, the Sutra Foundation presented “Radhe-Radhe: The Sweet Surrender”, a devotional performance inspired by Indian traditions, blending grace and storytelling to connect Malaysian and Indian cultural narratives. Other participating countries included Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Yemen, Angola, Malawi, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Congo, Thailand, Uganda, Mali, Namibia, Kenya, Somalia, Ghana, and Madagascar, all enthralling audiences with music and dance from their native cultures.

The festival serves as a platform for students and audiences to experience global multiculturalism firsthand. Interactions with international artists, workshops, and performances allow attendees to appreciate diverse cultural traditions, develop cross-cultural understanding, and celebrate the universality of artistic themes such as devotion, heroism, and storytelling. It reinforces Chandigarh University’s role in fostering global engagement , providing foreign students a platform to connect with the world, and promoting India’s soft power through cultural diplomacy.

Chandigarh University, a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) A+ Grade and QS World Ranked institution, hosts over 3,000 foreign students from 65 countries and offers more than 109 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across engineering, management, law, architecture, pharmacy, journalism, animation, hotel management, and commerce. The university has been recognised as the University with Best Placements by WCRC, and events such as this festival further strengthen its commitment to international engagement and the preservation of global cultural heritage.strengthen its commitment to international engagement and the preservation of global cultural heritage.