The BRICS cultural programme beginning in Bhopal on August 5 will not remain confined to diplomatic meetings and official delegations. Residents and visitors will also be able to participate through three specially curated exhibitions at Minto Hall and an international cultural festival at Ravindra Bhavan.

The Union Ministry of Culture has announced free public entry to the exhibitions being organised at Minto Hall from August 5 to 8. Titled Gyan Bharatam, Project Mausam and Project Brihattar Bharat, the exhibitions will use visual and immersive formats to present India’s intellectual traditions, maritime history and civilisational connections with other parts of the world.

The public programme is being held alongside the third BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting, the BRICS Cultural Festival and the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting under India’s BRICS chairship.

Three exhibitions, three dimensions of India’s history

Gyan Bharatam will showcase India’s ancient knowledge systems and manuscript traditions. It will explore the country’s intellectual contributions across disciplines such as philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, literature and the arts.

The exhibition is connected to the government’s wider Gyan Bharatam initiative, which seeks to identify, catalogue, conserve and digitise manuscripts held by families, temples, monasteries, libraries and institutions across India.

Project Mausam will trace the maritime networks that historically connected India with countries across the Indian Ocean. These routes carried not only spices, textiles and merchandise, but also languages, beliefs, artistic practices and technologies.

Project Brihattar Bharat will focus on India’s civilisational and cultural linkages across Asia and beyond. Visitors will be able to explore the influence of Indian literature, philosophy, temple architecture, dance traditions and the Ramayana in different regions.

All three exhibitions will remain open at Minto Hall from August 5 to 8. The Ministry of Culture has stated that entry will be free for everyone. Detailed daily timings, however, should be confirmed by visitors before arriving.

International festival at Ravindra Bhavan

Residents can also attend the BRICS Cultural Festival at Ravindra Bhavan on August 6. The programme, carrying the theme “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah—Harmony for All,” will begin at 5 pm.

Artists representing different BRICS cultural traditions are expected to present music, dance and folk performances. Entry is free, although visitors have been advised to complete the online registration issued for the programme.

Why the Bhopal programme matters

Bhopal’s selection places Madhya Pradesh’s cultural institutions and tribal heritage before an international audience. Foreign representatives are expected to visit institutions and heritage destinations including the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Tribal Museum, State Museum and Sanchi Stupa during the four-day programme.

The official BRICS Culture Track schedule includes the Culture Working Group Meeting on August 5 and 6, the Cultural Festival on August 6 and 7, and the Culture Ministers’ Meeting on August 7 and 8.

The public exhibitions offer residents a rare opportunity to experience a part of an international diplomatic event that would otherwise largely take place behind closed doors.

Public events at a glance