Ministry of Culture

April 29, 2026 7:14 PM

Sacred relics of Lord Buddha arrive in Leh, witnesses historic spiritual gathering

The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Leh on Wednesday amid deep spiritual fervour, marking the beginning of a historic religious celebration in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The relics were accorded a ceremonial welcome led by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, in the presence of prominent religious leaders, public representatives, and thousands of devotees. The reception featured traditional performances, sacred rituals, and a ceremonial guard of honour by the Ladakh Poli...

March 3, 2026 2:21 PM

Kostroma Russian National Ballet to present ‘Global Dance Overture’ at Kamani Theatre

As part of the India–Russia Special Strategic Partnership, the internationally acclaimed Kostroma Russian National Ballet will stage Russia’s cultural and educational project Global Dance Overture at Kamani Theatre on Tuesday. Vivek Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, will inaugurate the evening as chief guest. The event will also be attended by Denis Evgenievich Alipov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to India; Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson, Sangeet Natak Akademi; and Elena Tsaren...

November 21, 2025 10:46 PM

PM Modi ‘deeply touched’ by warm welcome from Indian community in Johannesburg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Johannesburg on Friday to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit, expressed appreciation for the rousing welcome given by members of the Indian community, noting that India’s vibrant cultural diversity was on full display in South Africa. Members of the diaspora presented folk dances from 11 Indian states during a short cultural programme titled ‘Rhythms of a United India’. PM Modi lauded how the community has stayed connected to its roots. “The cu...

September 12, 2025 8:57 PM

Indian manuscripts are a civilisational treasure, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described India’s manuscripts as an “unparalleled civilisational treasure” and a source of national pride, while addressing the Gyan Bharatam International Conference in New Delhi. The three-day conference, organised by the Ministry of Culture at Vigyan Bhawan, concludes on September 13. Its theme is ‘Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage’. The Prime Minister said that every country values its historical artefacts as ...

August 12, 2025 10:03 AM

Over 5 lakh youth volunteers join 4th edition of Har Ghar Tiranga campaign

The Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the 4th edition of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, encouraging citizens to hoist the National Flag at their homes and celebrate the spirit of patriotism ahead of Independence Day. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday said that this year, we are going to celebrate the fourth edition of the Tiranga campaign, for which more than 5 lakh youths have registered as volunteers. Thes...

August 6, 2025 11:53 AM

Lalit Kala Akademi launches 64th National Art Exhibition with new artist-centric initiatives

The 64th National Exhibition of Art, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, was inaugurated in New Delhi on Tuesday. This year’s edition stands out for introducing a first-of-its-kind initiative, where award-winning artworks will be available for sale, empowering artists and promoting India’s creative economy. During the inauguration ceremony, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, lauded the Akademi’s forward-looking move, noting that the exhibition is not merely...

July 31, 2025 12:48 PM

PM Modi hails return of sacred Piprahwa relics of Buddha After 127 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the return of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha to India after 127 years, describing it as a proud and joyous moment for the nation’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said: “A joyous day for our cultural heritage! It would make every Indian proud that the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha have come home after 127 long years. These sacred relics highlight India’s close associatio...

July 11, 2025 11:04 AM

India to host first global conference on manuscript heritage in September

In a major initiative to preserve and promote India’s vast manuscript wealth, the Ministry of Culture on Thursday announced the country’s first-ever global conference dedicated to manuscript heritage. Titled ‘Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage’, the three-day international conference will be held from 11 to 13 September at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The announcement was made on the occasion of Guru Purnima, underlining India’s commitment to the guru–�...

June 20, 2025 12:33 PM

100 tourist destinations, 50 cultural sites to mark Yoga Day

The Ministry of Culture will celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21 by hosting yoga sessions at 100 iconic tourist destinations and 50 cultural sites across the country. The initiative is part of a broader effort to blend India’s rich cultural heritage with its ancient wellness traditions. These events will run in parallel with the main national celebration, which will take place in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the obse...

April 29, 2025 11:44 AM

National Archives of India acquires private papers of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

The National Archives of India (NAI) has significantly enriched its repository of historical records with the acquisition of the private papers of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The collection, donated by members of Dr. Kalam’s family, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of one of India’s most revered statesmen and scientists. According to the Ministry of Culture, the collection includes original correspondences, Dr. Kalam’s passport, Aadhaar card, PAN ca...