The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the 2nd edition of Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav at Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad, today (November 21, 2025). The nine-day-long festival is being organised by Rashtrapati Nilayam in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Tourism. This festival aims to present the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu. 

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the President said that in the first edition of the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav, people were introduced to the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India. This time, we have an opportunity to witness and understand the rich cultural heritage of Western India. She expressed confidence that visitors will be able to have a glimpse of the folk culture of India's western regions through handicrafts, dance, music, literature, and cuisine of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli during this festival.

The President said that the Government of India is taking several steps to connect people, especially our youth, with our cultural heritage. She stated that events such as the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav help citizens living in different regions to understand each other and this understanding broadens our perspectives. Furthermore, such events foster respect for our cultural heritage and inspire us to preserve it.

The President expressed confidence that large number of people will attend the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav and enjoy the festival.

Among the dignitaries present at the inaugural event were Governor of Telangana Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Governor of Rajasthan Shri Haribhau Bagde, Governor of Goa Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development and Women and Child Welfare of Government of Telangana Smt D Anasuya Seethakka and Minister of Tribal Development, Khadi, Cottage and Rural Industries of Govt of Gujarat  Shri Naresh Maganbhai Patel.

The Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav will be open to the public from November 22 to 30, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Entry is free of cost. Visitors can book slots by clicking on the link https://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in/plan-visit/rashtrapati-nilayam-hyderabad/p2/p2. An on-the-spot booking facility is also available for the walk-in visitors.

Please click here to see the President's Speech

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MJPS/SR