Vasant Mela in Beijing promotes India-China cultural exchange

Over 4,000 Chinese people attended the Vasant Mela in Beijing, celebrating Indian culture and marking a thaw in India-China relations. This event took place as both countries work to improve their ties after a lengthy four-year freeze. The third edition of the festival featured various Indian dances, mostly performed by Chinese artists. Visitors enjoyed traditional Indian cuisine from 35 food stalls run by local Indian restaurants and families. The event was organized by the Indian Embassy and took place in a vibrant area of the city. Indian Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, welcomed the crowd and noted that spring symbolizes new beginnings and strengthened bonds. High-ranking officials, including Liu Jinsong from China’s Foreign Ministry, also attended, highlighting the importance of the event. The festival follows recent meetings between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a desire to resolve ongoing tensions. Diplomats believe this gathering reflects a hopeful turnaround in the relationship between the two nations. In addition to dance performances, the event featured shops selling Indian handicrafts and jewelry, contributing to a festive atmosphere.