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Embassy of India in Azerbaijan Celebrates India–Azerbaijan Cultural Ties through a painting exhibition on Baku’s Fire Temple and a reading from Panchatantra Baku

October 18, 2026

The Embassy of India in Azerbaijan organised a special painting exhibition on Baku’s Fire Temple and a reading session from Indian classic ‘Panchtantra’ at the Chancery premises in Baku on 18 October 2026, celebrating the rich artistic traditions of India and Azerbaijan and their longstanding cultural connections. The event brought together young Azerbaijani students and artists of different age groups for an engaging afternoon of art, literature, music and cultural exchange.

At the outset, Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan, H.E. Shri Abhay Kumar led the gathering on a tour of the Embassy’s permanent exhibition showcasing India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The exhibition offered the participants a glimpse into India’s rich civilisational heritage, architectural marvels and cultural diversity, providing an enriching introduction to the country’s historical and artistic legacy.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Abhay Kumar, expressed happiness at the enthusiastic participation of Azerbaijani students and artists. He observed that art is one of the most powerful bridges between people and cultures, transcending language, geography and generations. He noted that both India and Azerbaijan are treasure troves of art, with rich artistic traditions reflecting their civilisational depth and cultural diversity. Appreciating the love for art in Azerbaijan, he said that the enthusiasm of young participants was particularly encouraging, as art inspires curiosity, fosters mutual understanding and brings people closer.

The Ambassador also highlighted the historical and cultural connections between India and Azerbaijan, noting that Baku’s historic Fire Temple stands as a remarkable reminder of these enduring links. The Swastika symbols, Devanagari inscriptions and representations associated with Indian traditions, including Lord Ganesha and Nataraja, offer fascinating glimpses into the cultural exchanges connecting the two countries across centuries. He emphasised that these connections are not merely part of their shared past but also serve as an inspiration for strengthening friendship between the two peoples.

The painting exhibition was a major attraction, featuring artworks by young Azerbaijani students and artists celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage and its historical links with Azerbaijan. The paintings depicted the Ateshgah Temple, Hindu deities, Indian people, traditional costumes and other aspects of India’s vibrant cultural landscape. The exhibition provided a creative platform for the participants to express their appreciation of Indian culture through their artistic interpretations.

An important highlight of the event was a special reading session led by Ambassador Abhay Kumar, who read two stories from the world-renowned Indian classic Panchatantra. The timeless tales, known for their engaging narratives and lessons in wisdom, friendship and practical life, were thoroughly enjoyed by the Azerbaijani children. The Panchatantra has travelled across cultures and generations and is widely known in Azerbaijan through ‘Kalila va Dimna’, a literary tradition that has captivated readers, including children, for centuries.

The programme also featured lively cultural performances by Azerbaijani artists dancing to Indian songs, adding to the festive atmosphere and showcasing the appeal of Indian music and dance among local audiences. The event concluded with a spread of Indian cuisine, offering participants a further taste of India’s diverse culinary traditions.

Through this initiative, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to promoting people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges between India and Azerbaijan, particularly among younger generations. By bringing together art, literature, music and cuisine, the event celebrated the shared appreciation of culture that continues to strengthen the enduring friendship between the two countries.