New Delhi, April 3 – The three-day Indraprastha Cultural Festival 2026, organized by the Delhi government, kicked off on Friday with Art and Culture Minister Kapil Mishra describing it as a platform to redefine the city's civilizational identity.
Addressing the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, Mishra described the festival as “a significant step towards cultural renaissance.”
“The very selection of the name ‘Indraprastha’ is a cultural assertion in itself. It reflects an effort to re-establish Delhi’s historical and civilizational identity, which has long been presented within a limited perspective,” he said.
Scheduled from April 3 to 5, this three-day festival at the India Habitat Centre brings together over 100 eminent speakers, more than 50 cultural performances, literary sessions, youth town halls, and special exhibitions, presenting India's rich civilizational heritage alongside contemporary cultural discourse on a single platform.
Appreciating the efforts of Sangam Talks and all associated contributors, he said, “Platforms where dialogue is based on facts, logic, and evidence are the ones that truly guide society. When discourse progresses with a scientific temper and credible evidence, misinformation and falsehoods automatically diminish.”
Highlighting Delhi's multicultural character, Mishra said, “Delhi, as a ‘Mini India’, represents the cultural expressions of every region of the country. Festivals and traditions from across India are celebrated here in their most vibrant and expansive forms. This is Delhi’s true identity, and continuous efforts are being made to strengthen it.”
Referring to key cultural initiatives undertaken by the Delhi government over the past year, he stated, “Cultural programmes in the capital have been infused with renewed energy and scale.”
“Events such as Deepotsav at Kartavya Path, grand celebrations of Chhath Puja along the Yamuna banks, large-scale observance of Teej and Navratri, and active youth engagement through university-led programmes have collectively strengthened Delhi’s cultural consciousness,” he said.
Calling for greater public participation, he said, “The Indraprastha Cultural Festival offers citizens an opportunity to engage with and understand Delhi’s authentic history, which has not always been adequately represented.”