Under the National Cultural Exchange Programme in 2024-25, 362 cultural festivals were organized by all the Zonal Cultural Centres (autonomous organizations under the Ministry of Culture) covering all regions of the country. The ZCCs participated in Mahakumbh-2025, Kashi Tamil Sangamam, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas & Vande Bharatam programme etc. Rs. 11121.65 lakh was allocated/released to all the ZCCs. A total of 55,519 artists/performers participated, including 2323 from Odisha.
Key Entities Referenced
National Cultural Exchange Programme: A program to organize cultural festivals and activities, promoting cultural exchange between regions and states in India.
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry responsible for the preservation and promotion of art and culture of India.
Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs): Autonomous organizations under the Ministry of Culture that organize cultural festivals and activities in their respective zones, facilitating cultural exchange.
Odisha: Indian state with focus on folk and tribal artists participating in festivals under the National Cultural Exchange Programme.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2501
ANSWERED ON 15.12.2025
FESTIVALS UNDER NATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
2501. SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) the details of total number of cultural festivals organized under the National Cultural
Exchange Programme in 2024-25;
(b) the details of regions where these festivals were held;
(c) the details of the total funds allocated and utilized for the cultural festivals during the FY
2024-25; and
(d) the details of number of artists and performers participated in these festivals, with a
specific focus on folk and tribal artists, particularly from Odisha?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) & (b) 362 cultural festivals have been organized by all the Zonal Cultural Centres
(autonomous organizations under Ministry of Culture) under the National Cultural Exchange
Programme in 2024-25. Under National Cultural Exchange Programme, artists from other
Zones/ States are invited to participate in various cultural activities/ programmes/ festivals
organized by all the ZCCs in their member States covering all the regions of the country.
These ZCCs participated in Mahakumbh-2025, Kashi Tamil Sangamam, Rashtriya Ekta
Diwas & Vande Bharatam programme etc. During these festivals, audience get chance to
enjoy and understand art forms of other regions. These festivals provide opportunity to taste
and understand various cultures of our country.
(c) During the year 2024-25, Rs. 11121.65 lakh have been allocated/ released to all the
ZCCs for organizing various cultural festivals in the country.
(d) 55,519 artists/ performers have participated in the various cultural activities/
programmes/ festivals organized by all the ZCCs in their member States out of which 2323
artists/ performers were from Odisha.
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