Indian Cultural Festival runs through Sept. 22 in Gimhae

(Photo by Gimhae City/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Gimhae will host the 2026 SARANG Indian Cultural Festival from today, bringing traditional Indian dance to the Gimhae Arts and Sports Center.

The free performance will take place at Aedureum Madang from 3:40 to 5 p.m. and is organized by the Embassy of India in Korea and the Indian Cultural Centre.

This year’s program features Nrityantar Dance Ensemble, an eight-member group led by noted Odissi dancer Madhulita Mohapatra. Odissi, one of India’s eight major classical dance traditions, originated in Odisha and is known for its graceful poses, detailed hand gestures, expressive movements and storytelling.

The SARANG festival introduces Indian culture to Korean audiences through dance, music, art, food and other traditions. Its name carries a dual meaning, referring to “love” in Korean and a harmony of different colors in Hindi.

This year’s festival runs through September 22, with events in Seoul, Busan, Gimhae, Miryang and Gwangju.

Gimhae has a particular connection to India through the legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok, who is traditionally said to have traveled from India about 2,000 years ago to marry King Suro of the Gaya kingdom.

Fleet Chinhae