Approval of Festival of India in foreign countries is an ongoing process. Till date, Festivals of India to be organized in the financial year 2017-18, have been approved for the United Kingdom, Israel and Belarus. 

Festivals of India are held in foreign countries with objectives including promoting Indian culture, Indian artists & art forms abroad, promoting bilateral cultural contacts and in-bound tourism, projecting India’s cultural image abroad and strengthening bonds of foreign countries with India. 

The funds are earmarked for each Festival of India abroad depending on the events and size of the participating groups. The budget for 2017-18 is yet to be approved by the Parliament. 

This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today. 

 

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Sanjay Kumar/jk/Parl. No. 3/22-03-2017