Chandigarh University Hosts International Dance & Music Festival 2026 With Artists From 33 Countries

Chandigarh University recently transformed its campus into a vibrant global stage as it hosted the India International Dance and Music Festival 2026, bringing together artists from 33 countries in a spectacular celebration of cultural diversity and artistic exchange.

Organised in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs, the two-day festival,titled One World, Many Cultures,featured more than 350 international performers, who delivered mesmerising music and dance showcases that highlighted the richness of world traditions.

The opening day saw colourful performances from troupes representing a wide array of countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Lithuania, Uzbekistan and Burkina Faso, alongside participants from nations such as Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Madagascar, among others.

Dressed in traditional attire, the artists captivated audiences with folk rhythms, classical movements and cultural narratives that underscored the festival’s central theme of unity through art. A standout performance came from the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival group featuring collaborations with international ensembles, blending symphonic and folk traditions on one stage.

Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, described the event as a powerful symbol of cultural diplomacy, saying the festival underscores the role of art as a universal language that builds bridges and strengthens global friendships.

The festival also aligns with India’s broader efforts to promote cultural exchange and showcase its heritage while welcoming global artistic voices. According to university officials, the event offers students and international delegates a unique opportunity to engage with diverse traditions and foster mutual respect and understanding.

Through its blend of traditional and contemporary performances, the International Dance and Music Festival 2026 stood as a striking testament to the unifying power of art,bringing the world together on one stage and celebrating humanity’s rich tapestry of cultures.