Culture Connects 2023: Where the World Danced as One

A Global Folk Dance Festival in Noida Proves that Culture Transcends Borders

From the echo of tribal drums to the swirl of embroidered skirts, Noida was transformed into a vibrant mosaic of movement and meaning during Culture Connects 2023—the International Folk Dance Festival that celebrated its most spirited edition yet. Held from October 18th to 21st, this four-day spectacle wasn’t just an event; it was a living, breathing tribute to the universal language of dance.

Organized by the Charu Castle Foundation, and elevated by a partnership with UNESCO New Delhi, along with the Ministry of Culture (Government of India), U.P. Tourism, and CIOFF® India, the festival marked a momentous celebration—the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). But beyond commemorations, Culture Connects was a rare platform where tradition met togetherness on a global stage.

When Cultures Take the Floor

As the lights dimmed and the first beats hit, audiences were swept away into a world tour without leaving the city. Over nine international troupes brought their centuries-old traditions to life in full regalia, offering glimpses into the cultural soul of their homelands.

• From Poland, a spirited ensemble of 12 dancers performed folk routines that seemed to lift the floor with their energy.
• Bulgaria sent a 10-member delegation whose complex footwork and soulful melodies echoed the Balkan highlands.
• Romania, represented by Babeș-Bolyai University, merged live folk music with evocative movement, drawing standing ovations.
• The Indonesian troupe delivered tribal spectacles using bamboo instruments and ceremonial props, captivating both hearts and cameras.
• Uzbekistan offered power and elegance through dynamic spins and ornate costumes.
• The rhythmic depth of Sri Lanka, the passion of Kyrgyzstan, the golden elegance of Thailand, and the spiritual resonance of Korea completed the global picture.

While each performance stood proudly on its own, together they told a larger story—of how deeply connected we are through the arts, despite our differences.

India’s Cultural Kaleidoscope

Alongside its international guests, India brought forth its own symphony of heritage. Folk groups from across the country lit up the stage with a diverse lineup that included Raas from Uttar Pradesh, Chhau from West Bengal, Lavani from Maharashtra, Giddha from Punjab, Manipuri, Sambalpuri, Kumauni, Dandiya, and more.

Their performances were more than just dance—they were stories of seasons, festivals, devotion, and daily life, passed down through generations. Watching them share the stage with global counterparts was not just visually spectacular—it was emotionally stirring.

An Exhibition That Told 100 Stories

Beyond the performances, the festival also featured a stunning photo exhibition, with over 100 images that framed the artistry of folk dance around the world. Each photo captured a silent moment—the twirl of a skirt, the intensity of a gaze, the bond between performers—and reminded visitors that folk culture is as much about community as it is about art.

Words That Moved the Moment

The festival was graced by dignitaries who brought with them not only prestige but heartfelt support. Among them were Sh. Mahesh Sharma (Member of Parliament), Sh. Pankaj Singh (MLA), Sh. Mukesh Kumar Meshram (Principal Secretary, U.P. Tourism), as well as ambassadors from Romania and Kyrgyzstan.

A special video message from Mr. Tim Curtis, Secretary of ICH at UNESCO, highlighted the power of such events in building bridges across cultures. “These festivals foster mutual understanding,” he said, “and help communities safeguard their cultural identity while sharing it with the world.”

Keeping Culture Alive

At the heart of Culture Connects 2023 was a deeper message—that of cultural continuity. As Pawan Kapoor, General Secretary of the Charu Castle Foundation and CIOFF® India’s National Delegate, remarked, “Each artist here is a custodian of tradition. By performing, they are preserving. By sharing, they are connecting.”

His words captured the spirit of the festival: a dynamic interplay between history and hope, between what was and what can still be.

More Than a Festival, a Movement

As the final performance closed and applause echoed through the venue, one thing was clear—Culture Connects 2023 had done more than entertain. It had inspired.

In a world increasingly defined by its divides, the festival served as a radiant reminder of what unites us: the beat of a drum, the arc of a dance, and the enduring human need to tell our stories through motion.