The festival will also feature a bazaar with Indian handicrafts, traditional clothing and jewellery, alongside a food court serving a wide range of popular Indian delicacies, making Bharat Utsav 2026 a complete cultural experience for families and visitors alike
Doha is set to witness a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural richness with the hosting of Bharat Utsav 2026, a two-day festival that will bring together music, dance, art and cuisine under one roof. Organised by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in association with the Embassy of India in Qatar, the festival will be held on January 22 and 23, 2026, from 4 pm to 11 pm at the Ideal Indian School ground. It is expected to be one of the largest cultural gatherings of the Indian diaspora in Qatar this year.
A major highlight of Bharat Utsav 2026 will be a live musical concert by celebrated Indian playback singer Srinivas and his team. Known for his soulful voice and versatile repertoire, Srinivas is expected to enthral audiences with a blend of evergreen classics and contemporary favourites.
Adding to the musical excitement, the grand finale of the ICC Star Singer competition will take place on January 22. The contest, which began in early December 2025, aims to identify and promote singing talent within the Indian community in Qatar. The finale will be judged by an eminent panel, including noted singer Srinivasan Doraiswamy.
The organisers have described Bharat Utsav as a platform to strengthen Indo-Qatar friendship while fostering unity among the Indian expatriate community.
The cultural programme will present a colourful mosaic of India’s artistic traditions, featuring live orchestra performances, instrumental fusion pieces, energetic group dances and a special fusion dance segment. This presentation will creatively blend Thiruvathira from Kerala, Attam from Tamil Nadu, Telugu dance forms and the vibrant Garba of Gujarat, reflecting the country’s regional diversity.
The festival was officially announced at a press conference attended by Indian Ambassador to Qatar Vipul, Dr Vaibhav A Tandale, counsellor and head of chancery and consular at the Embassy of India, ICC president A P Manikantan, advisory council chairman P N Babu Rajan, vice president Shantanu Deshpande and Bharat Utsav sponsorship committee chairman V S Mannangi.
Beyond stage performances, visitors can enjoy a cultural parade showcasing traditional attire, music and folk art from across India. Cultural pavilions representing different Indian states will offer insights into regional heritage, while a dedicated pavilion will highlight social service schemes of India’s central and state governments.
