President Droupadi Murmu today inaugurated the second edition of the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav at Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad. The nine-day festival is being organised by Rashtrapati Nilayam in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Tourism. This year’s edition highlights the diverse cultural heritage of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu. Speaking at the inauguration, the President recalled that the first edition introduced audiences to the cultural richness of Northeast India. She said the current edition offers an opportunity to explore the folk traditions of Western India through handicrafts, dance, music, literature and cuisine. She expressed confidence that visitors would gain a meaningful glimpse into the artistic and cultural identity of these regions. The President noted that the Government of India is taking several steps to reconnect people, especially the youth, with the country’s cultural heritage. She said festivals such as the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav help citizens from different parts of the country understand one another, broadening perspectives and fostering respect for India’s shared cultural legacy. Such events, she added, inspire people to preserve and celebrate their heritage. She also expressed confidence that the festival would attract large numbers of visitors and offer them a memorable cultural experience. Dignitaries present at the event included Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma; Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy; Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde; Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju; Telangana Minister for Panchayati Raj, Rural Development and Women and Child Welfare D. Anasuya Seethakka; and Gujarat Minister for Tribal Development, Khadi, Cottage and Rural Industries Naresh Maganbhai Patel. The Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav will be open to the public from 22 to 30 November 2025, between 10 am and 8 pm. Entry is free.