Indian Embassy in Beijing celebrates Vasant Mela with diaspora and Chinese officials

The Indian Embassy in Beijing hosted the third edition of Vasant Mela on Saturday, a signature event marking the arrival of spring, with enthusiastic participation from the Indian diaspora and key Chinese officials.

The grand celebration showcased Indian culture through music, dance, food, art, yoga, ayurveda, and a dedicated children’s zone.

Indian Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, welcomed Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Foreign Ministry, Liu Jinsong, and other dignitaries. He emphasized that spring symbolizes new beginnings and deeper connections, offering attendees an immersive experience of Indian traditions.

“People are enjoying the various stalls at Vasant Mela – from delicious Indian delicacies and exquisite handicrafts to Mehndi art. Guests thronged the stalls, eager to explore India’s diverse offerings,” the Indian Embassy in Beijing posted on X.

The event also featured yoga sessions, highlighting its role in unifying the body and soul.

“Yoga is a beacon of serenity, going beyond physical movement. At Vasant Mela 2025, people participated enthusiastically in yoga practice, with an ultimate yoga challenge adding to the excitement,” the Embassy noted.

Originally launched on March 11, 2023, at the old chancery premises in Beijing, Vasant Mela has grown in scale, attracting over 3,000 attendees in its inaugural year and over 4,000 last year. The festival includes Indian handicraft stalls, diverse culinary offerings, cultural performances, and engaging activities for all ages.

The event follows recent diplomatic engagements between India and China. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Beijing on January 26-27 to review bilateral relations. Both countries agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties.