The inauguration of BIMSTEC's first Traditional Music Festival, titled ‘Sapt-Sur’, took place in New Delhi, India. Photo: BIMSTEC

DHAKA, Aug 6, 2025 (BSS) - The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral 
Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) marked a significant cultural 
milestone with the launch of its first Traditional Music Festival, titled 
'Sapt-Sur', in New Delhi, India.

Organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the three-day 
festival brought together musicians and audiences from BIMSTEC's seven member 
countries, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and 
Thailand, in a vibrant display of regional heritage and unity, said a press 
release here today.

Inaugurating the festival, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar 
described it as a "living bridge" among BIMSTEC nations, underscoring the 
power of cultural diplomacy in strengthening regional ties.

"Music transcends borders. It is not only an expression of creativity and 
emotion but also a powerful medium to preserve heritage and foster mutual 
respect among nations," he said.

The festival featured a rich array of folk, classical, and indigenous musical 
performances, resonating with themes of unity, diversity, and shared identity 
across South and Southeast Asia.

The event was not only a celebration of tradition but also a forward-looking 
initiative aimed at strengthening people-to-people connectivity and cultural 
collaboration within the Bay of Bengal region, said the release. 

The "Sapt-Sur" festival represents a major stride in BIMSTEC's commitment to 
cultural diplomacy, with its member states pledging to organise more such 
initiatives in future, it added. 

As part of its broader cultural agenda, BIMSTEC has already established the 
BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Commission (BCIC) and the BIMSTEC Cultural 
Industries Observatory (BCIO) under the Paro Initiative in Bhutan. 

These institutions serve as regional pillars for advancing cultural 
cooperation.

A comprehensive Plan of Action for cultural engagement has also been 
finalised by the BIMSTEC Expert Group on Cultural Cooperation.

The plan includes landmark initiatives such as the BIMSTEC Cultural Heritage 
Inventory, the BIMSTEC Buddhist Circuit, a Network of Cultural Experts, and 
targeted capacity building for cultural professionals.

Additionally, a proposal to establish a Centre of Excellence for Culture and 
Tourism in Nepal is under active consideration, which would further 
institutionalise the region's cultural integration.

Founded to promote shared development, BIMSTEC currently pursues regional 
cooperation across seven core sectors including agriculture, connectivity, 
environment, people-to-people contact, science and innovation, security and 
trade.