PM Modi Welcomed In Slovakia With Sanskrit Chants By Local Musical Group

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a distinctive cultural welcome during his visit to Bratislava, Slovakia, where local musical ensemble The Mahadeva Kirtan Project performed Sanskrit mantras and devotional chants in his honour.

Following the performance, PM Modi acknowledged the artists with applause and greeted them with “Om Shanti,” appreciating their efforts to celebrate Indian spiritual traditions.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister lauded the group, calling it a reflection of the strong cultural ties shared by India and Slovakia.

“The Mahadeva Kirtan Project is a commendable initiative that showcases the enduring cultural bonds between India and Slovakia. In Bratislava yesterday, witnessed a performance by this team. It is appreciable how they are deeply inspired by Indian spiritual traditions, Sanskrit mantras and other such aspects relating to India. I compliment Marek Zilinec and the entire team for their efforts!” PM Modi posted.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Indian diaspora in Slovakia for the warm reception he received upon arriving in the capital city.

“Yesterday evening’s welcome in Bratislava was truly special. I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship,” he wrote.

As part of the welcoming ceremony, PM Modi was presented with the traditional Slovak offering of bread and salt, a gesture symbolising hospitality, goodwill and friendship.

“The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish,” he noted.

During his visit, the Prime Minister also attended a performance by Kopaniciarik, a folk ensemble from Slovakia’s Myjava region. Praising the presentation, he highlighted the role of folk traditions in preserving cultural identity and history.

“Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one’s culture and history,” he said.

PM Modi arrived in Bratislava for a two-day State visit, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries. He was welcomed by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and accorded traditional Slovak hospitality upon his arrival.

Describing the visit as an opportunity to strengthen ties and explore new areas of collaboration, PM Modi said he looked forward to discussions with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico.

“Reached Bratislava. This visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico,” he posted on X.

The visit is particularly significant as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993. It is expected to further enhance cooperation between the two nations across sectors including trade, investment, automobile manufacturing and railway infrastructure.

PM Modi’s visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries, including President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and President Pellegrini’s visit to India earlier this year for the AI Impact Summit.