Indian festivals and cultural practices significantly enhance cultural diplomacy and international relations. Celebrations like Diwali, Holi, and Navratri not only highlight India’s rich heritage but also serve as platforms for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and goodwill among the Indian diaspora worldwide and beyond.

Cultural diplomacy initiatives such as International Yoga Day, endorsed by the United Nations, demonstrate how India effectively utilizes cultural practices to strengthen international ties, promote cultural exchange, and boost tourism, further reinforcing diplomatic relations.

Legal frameworks, such as UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, protect intangible cultural assets, ensuring their transmission through generations. India is a signatory, actively participating in safeguarding its cultural practices.

The 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions also provides a framework for promoting cultural diversity and international cooperation. Domestically, India’s Ministry of Culture and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) play key roles in promoting Indian culture abroad, organizing cultural festivals, and facilitating international exchanges.