Vadodara Hosts 150 Foreign Delegates for Cultural Diplomacy Initiative
Vadodara in Gujarat welcomed 150 foreign delegates, including ambassadors from more than 30 countries, for a two-day cultural diplomacy initiative aimed at showcasing the city’s royal heritage, artistic legacy and vibrant local traditions.
Titled “AIKYAM 2026 – Rasa & Realism,” the initiative was organised by cultural and arts organisation Sopaan over the weekend to promote international cultural dialogue and introduce global audiences to Vadodara’s heritage and contemporary cultural landscape.
On Saturday, October 10, the delegates visited the Maharaja Fatesinh Museum, which houses artworks by renowned Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma, followed by a tour of Lakshmi Vilas Palace, the residence of the Gaekwad royal family. The programme also featured discussions on art involving Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad and internationally recognised art expert Deborah Swallow.
The day concluded with a royal dinner hosted by Maharani Radhikaraje and Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, offering the visiting dignitaries an opportunity to experience Vadodara’s royal traditions.
On Sunday, October 11, the delegates explored Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They also visited a local wrestling akhada to understand traditional community practices and explored Gujarati textiles and handicrafts.
The programme continued with a Navratri dinner hosted by Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi, followed by a grand garba celebration at Lakshmi Vilas Palace. The delegates later visited the Vadodara Navratri Festival at Navlakhi Ground, experiencing Gujarat’s distinctive festive traditions.
Ten European embassies in India are partnering with Sopaan for the initiative. The programme is supported by Gujarat Tourism, the European Union Delegation to India, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Baroda Heritage Trust and the Federation of Gujarat Industries, among others.
Organisers said the initiative seeks to strengthen cultural connections across countries while highlighting Vadodara’s historic landmarks, traditional crafts and evolving artistic identity.