KUALA LUMPUR, October 21, 2026: Young artists from India, Malaysia and Indonesia came together for the India–Malaysia International Cultural Festival 2026, celebrating artistic expression, educational exchange and international friendship through music, dance and visual arts.
Organised by the Art & Aesthetics Foundation (TAAF), India, the festival is being held from October 17 to 22, bringing together more than 150 students and 50 teachers and principals from six schools for a series of cultural performances, educational sessions and collaborative activities.
The festival was inaugurated on October 17 at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre (NSCBICC) in Kuala Lumpur. The inaugural ceremony was attended by India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency Shri Somnath Ghosh; Deputy High Commissioner Hitesh Rajpal; and other dignitaries, artists and cultural representatives.
Young participants from the three countries presented classical, folk and contemporary performances, showcasing the diversity of their respective cultural traditions. The programme highlighted the role of artistic expression in fostering mutual understanding, cultural appreciation and friendship among people from different backgrounds.
A key highlight of the festival was a vocal masterclass conducted by New Delhi-based soprano and voice trainer Ms Chanshim Makunga at the Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Malaya, on October 19. Her session provided participants with an opportunity to engage in specialised vocal training and deepen their understanding of music.
An alumna of the Nagaland Conservatory of Music, Ms Makunga specialises in Western classical and contemporary voice, as well as choral music. Her participation also highlighted the contribution of musicians from Northeast India to international music education and cross-cultural artistic exchange.
Beyond the inaugural ceremony and vocal masterclass, the festival featured further performances and educational engagements at the University of Cyberjaya and the University of Malaya, followed by a cultural programme in Ipoh. Senior artists, gurus and resource persons contributed to the activities, combining practical artistic learning with opportunities for cultural interaction.
The programme enabled students to develop their artistic skills, exchange ideas and establish connections with peers from different countries. Through performances, masterclasses and collaborative sessions, participants experienced the value of learning beyond geographical and cultural boundaries.
The festival also underscored the importance of sustained partnerships among educational institutions, cultural organisations and artists in promoting international cooperation. By creating a shared platform for young people, it sought to encourage greater appreciation of cultural diversity while strengthening people-to-people ties between participating nations.
The participation of artists and students from India, Malaysia and Indonesia demonstrated how music, dance and other art forms can serve as bridges between communities, transcending linguistic and national differences.
As the festival continues until October 22, it stands as an example of how cultural and educational initiatives can inspire young people, nurture artistic talent and contribute to a more connected world.
Three nations, diverse cultures and one shared spirit of harmony — the India–Malaysia International Cultural Festival 2026 celebrates the power of the arts to bring people together and advance global friendship.
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