**Executive Summary**
This document is the Year End Review for 2025, prepared by the Ministry of Culture. It outlines the major initiatives and achievements of the Ministry throughout the year, including celebrations, commemorations, conferences, and campaigns. Key dates include events spread across the year with a focus on 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Celebrations and Commemorations:**
* Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 held in Varanasi from February 15th to 24th, celebrating cultural bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
* 150th Anniversary of the National Song "Vande Mataram" inaugurated on November 7th, launching a year-long nationwide commemoration (November 7th, 2025 - November 7th, 2026). A dedicated campaign on website https://vandemataram150.in/ has been launched.
* Commemoration of the 150th advent of Gaudiya Mission's founder Srila Prabhupad.
* 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar on May 31st.
* 50th Anniversary of the imposition of Emergency in India (1975) observed as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' on June 25th.
* 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on July 9th.
* 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (October 31st)
* **Cultural Events and Festivals:**
* Republic Day Parade 2025 featured 'Jayati Jai Mamahh Bharatam (JJMB)', showcasing India's tribal and folk heritage.
* Kalagram set up at Mahakumbh, Prayagraj (January 13th to February 26th) offering a platform for artists and artisans. Key highlights include main entrance, Anubhut Mandapam, Aviral Shashwat Kumbh, Food Zone, Sanskriti Angans.
* Revival of the Kambh Ramayana tradition, including the Kambh Ramayana Festival in Tamil Nadu from March 18th to April 6th.
* Aadi Thiruvathirai festival from July 23rd to 27th, marking the birth anniversary of Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I.
* **Heritage and Initiatives:**
* 'Gyan Bharatam', a national initiative dedicated to preserving, digitising, and disseminating India's manuscript heritage, with a conference held from September 11th to 13th. Gyan Bharatam Web Portal was launched on September 12th. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 17 leading institutions were signed.
* Maratha Military Landscapes of India inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
* Sacred relics of the Lord Buddha were returned to India on July 30th.
* ‘Har Ghar Tiranga' Campaign organized across the country with the aim of deepening the connection with the spirit of the tricolor.
* **Conferences and Workshops:**
* Tribal Business Conclave 2025 held on November 12th.
* National workshop on 'Project Mausam' on November 18th.
* International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony in Bodhgaya, Bihar from December 2nd to 13th.
* **Campaigns:**
* Special Campaign 5.0 completed with a focus on E-waste disposal.
* Sewa Parv 2025 celebrated from September 17th to October 2nd.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Public**
* **Impact:** Increased awareness and participation in cultural events, heritage preservation, and national celebrations, contributing to a stronger sense of national pride and unity.
* **Action Required:** Participate in cultural events, follow guidelines for national campaigns like 'Har Ghar Tiranga', and engage with online resources like the Gyan Bharatam Web Portal.
**Artists and Artisans**
* **Impact:** Provided platforms for showcasing their talent and traditions, economic opportunities, and support for cultural preservation.
* **Action Required:** Participate in events like Kalagram and the Republic Day Parade, register on relevant portals, and contribute to initiatives like Gyan Bharatam.
**Government and Ministry of Culture**
* **Impact:** Enhanced capability to promote and preserve India's cultural heritage, achieve campaign goals, and strengthen international relations through cultural diplomacy.
* **Action Required:** Ensure effective implementation of initiatives, monitor progress, and maintain collaboration with other ministries and stakeholders.
**UNESCO**
* **Impact:** Recognition of India's cultural heritage through the inscription of Maratha Military Landscapes on the World Heritage List.
* **Action Required:** Support India's efforts in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage through collaborative projects and knowledge sharing.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The primary government entity responsible for the initiatives and events described in the document.
Har Ghar Tiranga: A campaign to deepen the connection with the spirit of the tricolor, involving activities and economy measures.
Gyan Bharatam: A national initiative to preserve, digitize, and disseminate India's manuscript heritage.
New Delhi: Location of several important events, including the Republic Day Parade, Tribal Business Conclave, and the inaugural ceremony for Commemoration of 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee
Republic Day Parade: Annual event showcasing India's rich tribal and folk heritage by Ministry of Culture.
Ministry of Culture
Year End Review-2025: Ministry of Culture
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 celebrates cultural and
intellectual bonds between
Tamil Nadu and Kashi
India proudly celebrates 150 Years of the National Song
“Vande Mataram”
Ministry showcases India’s rich tribal and cultural heritage in
Republic Day Parade 2025
Kalagram: The Cultural Jewel of Mahakumbh 2025
India commemorates the 150th advent of Gaudiya Mission’s
founder Srila Prabhupad
Kambh Ramayana tradition revives with the inauguration of
the Kambh Ramayana Festival in Tamil Nadu
Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Government of
Madhya Pradesh, celebrates the 300th birth anniversary of
Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar in Bhopal
Ministry of Culture observes ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ on
25th June, 2025
Ministry organises the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival marking the
birth anniversary of Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I in Tamil
Nadu
Maratha Military Landscapes of India Inscribed in the
UNESCO World Heritage List as India’s 44th Entry
India celebrates Har Ghar Tiranga 2025 by deepening the
connection with the spirit of the tricolourMinistry of Culture launches the ‘Gyan Bharatam’, a landmark
national initiative dedicated to preserving, digitising, and
disseminating India’s manuscript heritage
प्रव तथ: 10 DEC 2025 2:21PM by PIB Delhi
The major initiatives and achievements of the Ministry of Culture during the year 2025 are as follows:
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0, was held from February 15th to 24th 2025, in Varanasi, celebrating the
cultural and civilizational bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. With over 869 artists and 190 local folk
and classical groups performing, KTS 3.0 attracted around 2 lakh visitors, strengthening cultural and
intellectual ties and promoting the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
The Ministry of Culture organized the Inaugural Ceremony of the Commemoration of 150 Years of the
National Song “Vande Mataram” on 7th November 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
The occasion was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister as the Chief Guest. This event marks the formal
launch of a year-long nationwide commemoration from 7th November 2025 to 7th November 2026,
celebrating 150 years of this timeless composition which inspired India’s freedom movement and
continues to evoke national pride and unity. A dedicated campaign on website
https://vandemataram150.in/ has been launched by the Ministry wherein 1.60+ crore Indians have already
recorded their renditions of Vande Mataram.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan participating in the rendition of
National Song “Vande Mataram” on the occasion of the Commemoration of 150 Years of the National
Song organised by the Ministry of Culture
The Republic Day Parade 2025 featured ‘Jayati Jai Mamahh Bharatam (JJMB)’, a grand cultural
presentation by Ministry of Culture showcasing India’s rich tribal and folk heritage. Over 5,000 artists
performed more than 50 diverse dance forms, symbolizing youth power, artistic heritage, and women’s
empowerment while embracing theme like ‘Vikasit Bharat’, Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi’, ‘Ek Bharat Shreshta
Bharart’. The performance, recognized by Guinness World Records are the Largest Indian Folk Variety
Dance, highlighted India’s unity in diversity through vibrant costumes, and synchronized choreography.‘Jayati Jai Mamahh Bharatam , a grand cultural presentation featured in the Republic Day Parade 2025 by
Ministry of Culture showcasing India’s rich tribal and folk heritage
Ministry of Culture had set up a Kalagram in 10.24 acre of land at Sector-7, Mahakumbh, in Prayagraj
(from 13th January to 26th February, 2025) where crores of pilgrims were participating. The Kalagram
inaugurated on 12.01.2025 by the Union Minister of Culture had been providing an effective platform for
over 45 days to around 15,000 participating artists and artisans across the country by way of showcasing
India’s diverse traditions in dance, music, cuisines, art & crafts etc. It had not presented a unique
opportunity to the visitors to witness and partake actively in the event but had also been an opportunity for
the multitudes visiting Mahakumbh to strengthen community ties while fostering, economic and
sustainable growth. Further, it had also been creating favourable environment for appreciation of cultural
traditions and practices among varied communities by bringing out the beauty of our ‘Unity in Diversity’
and cherish “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”. Projection Mapping of Mahakumbh Logo,2025: The
Mahakumbh logo was projected at various Centrally Protected Monuments.
Some of the highlights of this Kalagram are:
Main Entrance: 635 ft wide, 54 ft high, depicting 12 jyotirlings and the story of Lord Shiva
consuming Halahal, a confluence of art and spirtuality.
Anubhut Mandapam: 360o immersive experience narrating Ganga descent from heaven to earth.
Aviral Shashwat Kumbh: Digital display by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), National
Archives of India (NAI) and Indira Gandhi National Centre for arts (IGNCA).
Food Zone: Satvik cuisine from all Zonal Cultural Centres apart from the local cuisine of Prayagraj.
Sanskriti Angans: Display and sale of traditional Indian handicrafts and handlooms in the courtyards
of the seven Zonal Cultural Centres.Ministry of culture had set up a Mahakumbh Kalagram in 10.24 acre of land at Sector-7 in Prayagraj
The closing ceremony of the commemoration of the 150th advent of Gaudiya Mission’s founder, Srila
Prabhupad was organized at Science City in Kolkata, West Bengal on 28th February, 2025. Hon’ble
Vice President of India was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony. The event showcased an
exhibition on the life of Srila Prabhupad including objects and artefacts connected to his life.
In another significant development, the Kambh Ramayana tradition was revived in Tamil Nadu with the
inauguration of the Kambh Ramayana Festival at the Sreerangam Temple on March 18, 2025 by the
Union Culture Minister. This was followed by Kambh Ramayana performance in 20 temples
culminating with a grand finale at the Kamban Medu on the Ram Navmi Day on 6th April, 2025. This
one-month festival will now be an annual feature starting at the Sreerangam Temple in Tiruchirappalli
in March every year, culminating with the Ram Navmi celebration and performance at the Kamban
Medu in April every year.
The inaugural ceremony of the Kambh Ramayana Festival at the Sreerangam Temple, Tamil Nadu
On 31st May, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the
Government of Madhya Pradesh, commemorated the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai
Holkar with a grand at Jamburi Maidan in Bhopal. On this occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri
Narendra Modi addressed the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan and paid
tribute to Ahilyabai’s enduring legacy. PM also released a commemorative postage stamp and a special
coin in her honour. As part of the celebration, Hon’ble Prime Minister presented the Devi Ahilyabai
Award to Dr. Jaymati Kashyap, a distinguished woman artist for her contribution to tribal, folk and
traditional arts. During his visit, Hon’ble Prime Minister also toured a specially curated exhibition on
Ahilyabai Holkar’s life and legacy, organized by the Ministry of Culture, and viewed a short film
highlighting her remarkable role in shaping India’s cultural heritage.Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, observed ‘Samvidhan Hatya
Diwas’ on 25th June, 2025 at Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi to mark the 50th anniversary of
imposition of Emergency in India in 1975. The day was a reminder of the importance of safeguarding
democratic values and constitutional rights.
Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, observed ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’
on 25th June, 2025 at Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi
The Ministry organised the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu from
23th to 27th July 2025, marking the birth anniversary of Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I. This event
also commemorated the 1,000-year anniversary of Chola's maritime expedition, a landmark in Indian
naval history. This festival is deeply rooted in Tamil spiritual traditions and aspects of Shiva Siddhanta.
This 5-day festival was held at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, UNESCO-recognized monument
with large scale participation of local artists and local people. A commemorative coin was also released
to mark this event. Hon’ble Prime Minister graced the event on the concluding day.
An inaugural ceremony for Commemoration of 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad
Mookerjee on 9th July 2025 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi as a national tribute to his enduring
contributions to the nation. The inaugural ceremony was a part of the two year-long commemorative
celebration starting July 2025 till July 2027 and was graced by Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and
Tourism as the Chief Guest. A Commemorative Stamp and Coin were released in honour of Dr. Syama
Prasad Mookerjee.The inaugural ceremony for Commemoration of 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee
on 9th July 2025 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi
A part of sacred relics of the Lord Buddha, discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, were put
to auction by Sotheby. Ministry took a strong stand and issued a legal notice to stop the auction. The
legal and moral pressure resulted in stoppage of auction and Ministry took it as an opportunity for
negotiations. These priceless relics have been returned to India after 127 years on 30th July 2025. The
relics were handed over to the Indian government through a private acquisition by an Indian Industrial
House after coordinated legal and diplomatic efforts to stop their auction in Hong Kong. The relics,
which included gold, garnet, and crystal ornaments, have been successfully repatriated to India.
Sacred relics of the Lord Buddha discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh were successfully
secured by the Ministry of Culture
UNESCO in its 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, declared India’s official nomination for
2024-25 cycle, ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage
List. The Expert Committee ICOMOS had given a negative report. The Ministry made effective
intervention in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and convinced the Member states to
support India. This has become India’s 44th property to receive this recognition. India now ranks 6th
globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
India’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated on 15th August, 2025, with the theme “Naya Bharat”
(New Delhi) emphasizing progress in various sectors and acknowledging the efforts of freedom
fighters. To mark this occasion, a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign was organized across the country.
Following activities were also taken up at protected monuments-
a. Phase I (2nd – 8th August, 2025): Tiranga Rangoli
b. Phase II (9th – 12th August, 2025): Setting up of Selfie Booths, Display of Banners, and
Tiranga Yatra
c. Phase III (13th – 15th August, 2025): Tri-colour Illumination and Projection of the National
Flag on protected monuments
This year’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign organised by Ministry of Culture was unique. Ministry had
tied up with Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation for a joint campaign on Swachhata as well. In
this year’s campaign, measures of economy were also taken, resulting in 15% decrease in the outlay,
whereas the coverage and selfies upload were 50% more than last year’s campaign. This could be done
by adopting Whole-of-Government approach and galvanizing States and State institutions to
participate. Under Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, a Bike rally was organized on 12th August, 2025 at
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, signifying the start of India’s Independence Day celebration. This rally
featured thousands of bikers displaying Indian flag, included participation by Union Ministers,
Ministers from Government of Delhi and Members of Parliament.To mark the India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, Ministry of Culture organised Har Ghar
Tiranga’ Campaign across the country
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh celebrated its 100th anniversary on 1st October, 2025. On this Occasion,
Hon’ble Prime Minister released a special ₹100 commemorative coin which is the first in independent
India to feature an image of "Bharat Mata" (Mother India) and a postal stamp which commemorates a
1963 Republic Day parade in which RSS volunteers participated to honour the centennial.
Hon’ble Prime Minister released a special ₹100 commemorative coin and a postal stamp which
commemorates a 1963 Republic Day parade in which RSS volunteers participated to honour the
centennial
The Ministry As part of ‘Gyan Bharatam’, a landmark national initiative to preserve, digitize, and
disseminate India’s manuscript heritage. To mark the launch, the first-ever Gyan Bharatam International
Conference on “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy thorough Manuscript Heritage” consisting of eight
themes was held from 11-13th September, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, bringing together over
1,100 participants from India and abroad. On 12th September, 2025, the Hon’ble Prime Minister formally
launched the Gyan Bharatam Web Portal, emphasizing that India’s knowledge tradition rests on three
portals- Preservation, Innovation and Addition & Adaptation. The conference concluded on 13th
September, 2025 with the Delhi Declaration, reaffirming India’s commitment to safeguarding and
revitalising its manuscript heritage in the spirit of Vikshit Bharat 2047.
Hon’ble Prime Minister formally launched the Gyan Bharatam Web Portal, emphasizing that India’s
knowledge tradition rests on three portals- Preservation, Innovation and Addition & AdaptationThe Ministry of Culture’s flagship initiative, Gyan Bharatam, marked a significant milestone 25.10.2025
with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 17 leading institutions from across the
country. The ceremony, held at the National Gallery of Modern Art (Jaipur House), New Delhi.
Sewa Parv 2025 was successfully celebrated from 17th September to 2nd October 2025, transforming it
into a large-scale movement of service, creativity and citizen’s participation. As part of celebrations,
Ministry, through its nodal bodies, organized one-day art workshops under the theme “Viksit Bharat Ke
Rang, Kala Ke Sang” at 75 identified locations across the country. Each workshop brought together school
students, college youth, professional artists, and traditional artisans to create artworks on the theme of
“Seva Parv – Vision of Viksit Bharat”. Further, Organisations under the Ministry undertook Swachhata Hi
Sewa drives at prominent heritage sites. These initiatives integrated service and heritage conservation with
cultural expression, reinforcing the mandate of linking creativity with civic consciousness.
Ministry of Culture through its nodal bodies, organized one-day art workshops under the theme “Viksit
Bharat Ke Rang, Kala Ke Sang” at 75 identified locations across the country on Sewa Parv 2025
The Union Ministry of Culture presented a series of spectacular cultural performances to mark the 150th
birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (October 31, 2025). Hon’ble PM
was the Chief Guest on the occasion. On the occasion, a commemorative coin and postal stamp was also
released by the Hon’ble PM. The highlight of the event was a grand dance choreography titled “Loh
Purush Namastubhyam”, curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the West Zone Cultural Centre, under
the Ministry of Culture which featured over 800 artists from across India.Hon’ble PM released a commemorative coin and postal stamp to mark the 150th birth
anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
Ministry of Culture completed Special Campaign 5.0 with special focus on E-waste disposal and with
100% achievements in disposal of public grievances and PG-Appeals & 74% in MP References, 68% in
PMO reference, 64% in State Government References.; Further, 100% Achievement in Cleanliness
Campaign was observed in 599 sites.
Ministry of Culture completed Special Campaign 5.0 with special focus on E-waste disposalThe Ministry of Culture played a pivotal role in the successful organization of the Tribal Business
Conclave 2025, held at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi on 12th November,2025. The Conclave served
as a vibrant platform to celebrate the artistic excellence, literary diversity, and creative enterprise of
India’s tribal communities, aligning with the spirit of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh and the national vision of
Viksit Bharat @2047. Organized jointly by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Culture, the
Conclave marked a landmark moment during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150 Birth
Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. A key highlight of the Conclave was the panel discussion
organized by the Ministry of Culture, titled “Tribal Heritage to Enterprise: Promoting Sustainable
Entrepreneurship.”
Ministry of Culture successfully organised the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka,
New Delhi on 12th November,2025
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) are proud to announce the launch of
Project Gaja-Lok: Elephant Lands and their Cultural Symbolism in Asia, a pioneering transnational
initiative. This culture-nature programme is dedicated to documenting and exploring the profound
connections surrounding the Asian elephant, highlighting intertwined narratives of culture, history,
ecology, and climate resilience across the continent. Project Gaja-Lok will officially commence with a
public Exhibition from 19th to 25th November 2025 and a Roundtable on 20th November 2025 at
INTACH, New Delhi. These events, organized by the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Division.Union Minister of Culture inaugurated a two-day national workshop on ‘Project Mausam’ on 18.11.2025.
The workshop, titled “Islands at the Crossroads of Maritime Networks within Indian Ocean Region,” is
being hosted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site
Museum. This project represents a unique convergence of heritage studies, scientific research, and
community engagement, underscoring India’s commitment to preserving maritime heritage. The Minister
highlighted the initiative’s goal to open new avenues for documenting and protecting ocean-linked cultural
landscapes, positioning it as a dynamic, collaborative movement.
Union Minister of Culture inaugurated a two-day national workshop on ‘Project Mausam’ on 18.11.2025
Reaffirming India’s unparalleled position as the Motherland of Buddha Dhamma and the global centre of
Buddhist heritage, the country will once again host the largest international Buddhist event in Southeast
Asia and India—the International Tipiṭaka Chanting Ceremony in Bodhgaya, Bihar from 2 to 13
December 2025, along with the Commemorative Walk retracing the Buddha’s footsteps from Jethian
Valley to the sacred bamboo grove of Venuvana in Rajgir. The 12-day spiritual gathering at Bodhgaya—
the hallowed Seat of Enlightenment—will be organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Light of Buddha Dharma
Foundation International (LBDFI), USA.
Key Highlights of the 12-Day Event:
• Daily recitation of Pali scriptures under the sacred Bodhi Tree
• Discourses by eminent Dhamma gurus
• Interactive question–answer sessions
• An art gallery and cultural showcase featuring artists from India and abroad
• Cultural performance by an IBC-sponsored group on the opening day.Pre Event Press conference of largest international Buddhist event in Southeast Asia and India—the
International Tipiṭaka Chanting Ceremony held in New Delhi
The twentieth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage will take place from 8th to 13th December, 2025 in New Delhi, India. The session will be chaired
by Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO.
***
M Annadurai
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2201396) आगंतुक पटल : 4061
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Tamil , Urdu , Marathi , ही , Bengali , Punjabi , Gujarati , Kannada , Malayalam