Havelock City Mall, in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Indian Cultural Centre and the High Commission of India in Colombo, successfully concluded India Fest 2025, a three-day cultural celebration held from August 15th to 17th in honour of India’s Independence Day. The Ground Floor Atrium was transformed into a vibrant mosaic of sights, sounds, and tastes, offering thousands of visitors an unforgettable immersion into Indian heritage.
The festival opened on Friday, August 15th, with a grand inauguration ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr. Santosh Jha, as Chief Guest. Traditional performances, colourful displays, and a warm atmosphere set the tone for the festivities that followed.
Over the three days, India Fest 2025 drew an eclectic mix of audiences from Indian expatriates and the diplomatic community to local families, young adults, and cultural enthusiasts. Visitors explored authentic Indian ethnic wear and artisan handicrafts, savoured a rich array of regional delicacies, spicy street food, and traditional sweets, enjoyed captivating performances of traditional dance, fusion music, live bands, and DJ sets, experienced the intricate art of henna alongside various cultural rituals, and attended curated film screenings at Scope Cinemas, adding a cinematic touch to the celebration.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Group CEO, Mr. Pravir Samarasinghe, said:
"India Fest by Havelock City Mall was not only about showcasing the vibrant spirit and colours of India, but also about celebrating the long-standing strong friendship between India and Sri Lanka. Through music, dance, fashion and food, we aimed to create a unique cross-cultural experience for our shoppers to enjoy and connect with the colours of India."
Sharing his thoughts, Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Santosh Jha, remarked:
"I am delighted to be part of India Fest during the week of India’s Independence Day. This event beautifully showcased India’s rich culture and strengthened the bonds between our two nations. My warm wishes to all on this special occasion."
By bringing together the cultural richness of India under one roof, India Fest 2025 reaffirmed Havelock City Mall’s commitment to creating inclusive, multicultural experiences that connect communities and celebrate diversity.
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