Indraprastha Fest kicks off

New Delhi: The three-day Indraprastha Cultural Festival 2026 was inaugurated at India Habitat Centre on Friday, bringing together over 100 speakers, cultural performers, writers, and scholars to celebrate India’s civilisational heritage and contemporary cultural discourse.

Organised by the Delhi government, the festival, scheduled from April 3 to 5, features more than 50 cultural performances, literary sessions, youth town halls, and exhibitions aimed at showcasing the country’s diverse traditions while encouraging informed dialogue.

Addressing the inaugural session, Delhi’s Minister for Art, Culture, Languages, Tourism and Labour, Kapil Mishra, described the event as a step towards cultural revival. He said, “The very selection of the name ‘Indraprastha’ is a cultural assertion in itself. It reflects an effort to re-establish Delhi’s historical and civilizational identity, which has long been presented within a limited perspective.” Highlighting the importance of meaningful discussions, he added, “Platforms where

dialogue is based on facts, logic, and evidence are the ones that truly guide society.” Emphasising Delhi’s diversity, Mishra said, “Delhi, as a ‘Mini India’, represents the cultural expressions of every region of the country.”

Referring to recent initiatives, he noted that events like Deepotsav, Chhath Puja, and Navratri celebrations have strengthened cultural engagement in the capital.

He also stated, “A phased removal of a large number of previously installed CCTV cameras in Delhi has been initiated… purely on security grounds.” The festival will continue with discussions, performances, and exhibitions aimed at positioning Delhi as a vibrant cultural hub.