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The Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., commemorated the Spring Festivals of India and the 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) on April 19, 2026, at India House, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora for an evening celebrating culture, heritage, and community.
Welcoming attendees, India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, described spring as a season symbolizing renewal, positivity, and celebration. He said the gathering reflected those values, emphasizing that the occasion was not merely a calendar event but a celebration of shared cultural heritage and togetherness.
“Today, I am especially happy to see so many young people here. You are at the beginning of your journeys, full of potential and promise. It is important that while you move forward, you also remain connected to your cultural roots and heritage,” he said. “Our traditions, our culture, and our values are priceless. They define who we are. The younger generation carries this forward, and it is essential that this connection remains strong.”
Ambassador Kwatra also highlighted the global achievements of the Indian diaspora, noting that their contributions continue to enhance India’s standing worldwide.
“Your achievements bring immense pride. Whether in the United States or elsewhere, your contributions strengthen India’s global presence,” he said, adding, “In every interaction we have, your accomplishments are acknowledged with pride. You represent not just yourselves, but also the strength and potential of India.”
A video presentation showcased the work of ICCR in promoting India’s cultural heritage internationally. The organization engages global audiences through music, dance, art, yoga, languages, traditional knowledge, crafts, and cuisine.
With 38 cultural centers worldwide and 11 offices in India, ICCR facilitates cross-cultural exchange and learning. It has also installed thousands of busts and statues of Indian icons in more than 160 countries to honor excellence and cultural contributions.
The event featured remarks from several community leaders representing diverse traditions within the Indian diaspora.
Dr. Harbhajan Ajrawat, speaking on behalf of the Sikh community, described Vaisakhi as both a harvest festival and a deeply spiritual occasion. “When we celebrate Vaisakhi, we are celebrating the universe. We are celebrating and extending our gratitude to the universe that has given us those harvests,” he said.
He also highlighted its historical significance, noting that in 1699 Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa, a collective rooted in “courage, equality and selfless sacrifice,” calling the moment both “historical” and “transformational.”
Sheetal Kothari, representing Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, spoke about the organization’s focus on inner transformation through “wisdom, meditation, selfless service.” She described her association with the mission as “cultural, spiritual, and personal,” and credited the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra for making Jain philosophy accessible and relevant, particularly to younger generations.
Dr. Ali Akbar Sohagpurwala reflected on the diversity of spring festivals in India and expressed a sense of nostalgia. “I miss celebrating them in India. It’s very different when you celebrate back home, and then when you do here. I wish we could go back home every year to celebrate them,” he said.
Abdullah Abdullah, a founding member of the Aligarh Alumni Association, emphasized the importance of community-building through cultural engagement. He noted the growth of the South Asian community since the 1970s and said, “Now there are lots of organizations representing various part of India, and events like these provides a vital opportunity, to know each other and celebrate our diverse heritage.”
Anjana Bordoloi, representing the Assamese diaspora and the Assam Association of North America, highlighted efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Assam and India’s Northeast. She noted the region’s richness in both “cultural heritage” and “natural resources.”
Salva Jayaraman, co-founder and chief operating officer of Business Integra, speaking on behalf of the Indian American Business Impact Group and southern India, attributed the success of Indians in the United States to resilience. He said it stems from the “pain” they have endured and thanked the Embassy for its continued support of the diaspora’s growth and achievements.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Community Affairs Minister Jagmohan underscored the significance of spring festivals across India, including Holi, Vaisakhi, Bihu, Ugadi, and Vishu. “Spring is a season of renewal across various cultures in our side of the world,” he said, adding that these traditions reflect unity and reinforce a sense of shared identity within the diaspora.
At the celebrations, Savita Jain, Director of Public Relations at JAINA, served as emcee. The cultural program featured a musical performance by singer Anika Saikia, who presented popular film songs and paid tribute to Asha Bhosle.
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