Asia on the strings

Delhi will host the second ASEAN India Music Festival, which will honour both Indian and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) musical traditions.  It was conducted in 2017 for the first time and a large portion of Delhi and the surrounding area came together to celebrate.

A number of countries will be participating in the festival, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Organized by The Ministry of External Affairs and Seher (a performing and visual arts organization in India), it aims at promoting cultural exchange between these countries.

The festival commemorates 30 years of diplomatic ties between India and ASEAN – a political and economic union of 11 member states in Southeast Asia. 

It will be held for three days and will include Indian artists such as Papon, Jonita Gandhi, Faridkot and Amar Jalal, Raghav Meattle, and Vishal & Shekhar. 

International artists include: Tri Minh’s Quartet from Vietnam, Instamuzika from Malaysia, RizerXSuffer from Cambodia, Empty Wallet from Brunei Darussalam, Lao Traditional Music Troupe from Lao PDR, Makaohang from Thailand, Linying Band from Singapore, Bayang Barrios at Ang Naliyagan from Philippines, Riau Rhythm from Indonesia, and MRTV Modern Music band from Myanmar.

The ASEAN India Music Festival 2022 would encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the rich musical histories of the participating nations. Additionally, it will increase people’s understanding of their ASEAN identity as a whole and give ASEAN India musicians more exposure. Such events are essential for promoting international understanding because they highlight the diversity of musical traditions while also addressing their similarities.

To provide participating bands the chance to perform more than once, multiple concerts will also be held as part of the pre- and post-event festivities. Shillong, Meghalaya, will also host the festival in order to highlight the “Act East Policy.”

When: November 18 – November 21

Where: Purana Qila, Mathura Road, New Delhi