New Delhi, 29th November 2024: The third edition of the ASEAN India Music Festival kicked off in grand style at the iconic Purana Qila in New Delhi today, welcoming music lovers with FREE ENTRY for all and setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration of culture and creativity. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Seher, the festival celebrates a decade of India’s ‘Act East Policy,’ and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and India.
The opening night saw an incredible lineup of performances that captivated the audience. Shaan and Raghu Dixit, two of India’s most beloved artists, took the stage alongside MRTV from Myanmar, Chet Kanhchna from Cambodia, and Buc Tuong from Viet Nam. Together, they brought the crowd to life, showcasing how music, in all its forms, connects and transcends cultural boundaries.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs of India, shared the significance of the festival, “The ASEAN India Music Festival is more than a showcase of talent. It’s an affirmation of the power of music to bring people together. As we mark a decade of India’s ‘Act East Policy,’ this festival highlights the cultural bonds we’ve forged over the years. It’s a celebration of how music transcends borders, deepening our connections and strengthening the ties that unite ASEAN and India in our shared journey of growth.”
Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder Director of Seher, echoed the sentiment, “Music has an incredible ability to break down barriers and unite us in a way words cannot. This festival represents the connections that grow from shared experiences, the relationships built over time, and the new ones that music helps create. By coming together to celebrate, we are fostering understanding and enriching the ties that bind our cultures.”
Shaan said, “Performing at Purana Qila, with its timeless walls echoing the music and an audience so full of energy and warmth, felt absolutely magical. It’s in moments like these that you truly feel the power of music—not just as something to enjoy, but as a way to connect, to share, and to celebrate everything that makes us human.”
A true fusion of cultures, the festival celebrates the diverse sounds of ASEAN and India, weaving together music, tradition, and unity. With an impressive lineup, the ASEAN India Music Festival 2024 offers audiences a rare chance to experience the rich, diverse sounds of both regions in one place.
Looking ahead, Day 2 promises even more excitement, with performances by Sukriti-Prakriti and Western Ghats from India, KAIA from the Philippines, and more. The festival will close on Day 3 with a performance by Jasleen Royal, along with additional performances from ASEAN and Indian artists.
Stay tuned for more updates as the ASEAN India Music Festival continues to unite hearts and celebrate the power of music.
