A Celebration of Indian Culture Takes Center Stage in New York City

This fall, the heart of Manhattan will beat to the rhythm of Indian artistry as the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) presents the first-ever India Weekend in New York City. Set for September 12–14, 2025, the landmark cultural event promises a sweeping showcase of India’s creative heritage—through music, dance, theater, fashion, cuisine, spirituality, and more—anchored by the U.S. premiere of India’s largest theatrical production at the iconic Lincoln Center.

The weekend’s marquee event, The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation, will unfold at the David H. Koch Theater with five limited performances. Conceived and directed by acclaimed theater maker Feroz Abbas Khan, the production tells the sweeping story of India from 5000 BC to 1947, brought to life by a cast of over 100 performers, grand set design, and opulent costuming by Manish Malhotra.

The show combines dance, music, and visual storytelling on a monumental scale, with original music by duo Ajay-Atul and choreography from Indian legends including Mayuri Upadhya, Vaibhavi Merchant, and Samir & Arsh Tanna. A Tony and Emmy award-winning production crew rounds out this cross-disciplinary collaboration, positioning the performance as a major moment in global theater.

While the curtain rises at Koch Theater, Damrosch Park will transform into an open-air celebration known as The Grand Indian Festival, running concurrently all three days. The immersive experience includes curated performances, wellness workshops, culinary sessions, artisanal shopping, and cultural dialogue. Visitors can start their day with sacred mantra chanting by Art of Living singer Pratish Mhaske or yoga led by renowned educator Eddie Stern, followed by transformative talks from spiritual teacher Gaur Gopal Das.

Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna will offer culinary experiences that spotlight India’s deep connection between food and heritage. Meanwhile, Bollywood icon Shiamak Davar will lead dance sessions that invite guests into the expressive world of Indian movement and rhythm.

For sports enthusiasts, an exclusive cricket panel brings together two titans of the game—Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma—joined by moderator Gaurav Kapur, promising insights into India’s most beloved sport.

Each evening will culminate with live musical performances curated by Grammy-winning composer Shankar Mahadevan. The lineup includes celebrated vocalist Shreya Ghoshal, folk singer Mame Khan, the multitalented Mahadevan sons Shivam and Siddharth, sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee, and percussionist Ojas Adhiya. Other standout acts include Rajasthani folk fusion led by Parthiv Gohil and a specially choreographed Garba and Phoolon ki Holi segment with Sa Dance Company, helmed by Payal Kadakia.

Visitors can also enjoy a set by sitarist and music producer Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, and explore India’s diverse soundscape through Mumbai-based DJ Sumit Shenoy’s nightly performances.

The festival’s Bazaar promises a world-class shopping experience featuring Indian luxury and design houses. Visitors can explore handcrafted jewelry, fashion, accessories, and artisanal crafts from names such as Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Rahul Mishra, Shantanu Goenka Couture, MISHO, Alok Lodha Jewels, and Rare Heritage.

Swadesh by Reliance Foundation will offer an immersive exhibition highlighting India’s regional textiles and artisan crafts, tying together storytelling, sustainability, and style.

Tickets & Passes:

• The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation: Purchase tickets

• The Grand Indian Festival: Book passes

• More Info & Full Schedule: Visit nmacc.com/IndiaWeekend

The NMACC India Weekend marks a pivotal moment for the global appreciation of Indian culture, offering New Yorkers a front-row seat to its creative depth and diversity. As the Cultural Centre’s first major international initiative, it transforms Lincoln Center into a site of celebration, dialogue, and artistry rooted in heritage yet created for the contemporary stage.