Thousands of People Gather for the Indian Community Festival in Muscat

Thousands of visitors filled Amerat Park in Muscat as the flagship Indian Community Festival (ICF) kicked off, officially inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala.

The three-day event, organised by the Kerala Wing of the Indian Social Club (Oman), featured a lively fusion of traditional Indian culture and Omani hospitality, drawing in expatriates and residents alike. 

From the opening moment, the atmosphere was electric. Colourful stage performances, from classical dance to folk music, reflected India’s cultural diversity. More than 700 artists, both expatriate and local, showcased regional Indian art forms alongside Omani cultural elements, reinforcing the deep-rooted friendship between India and the Sultanate of Oman. 

The festival grounds were alive with thousands of guests exploring interactive exhibits, food stalls and a “Festival Village” offering family-friendly attractions. Visitors sampled a range of Indian cuisines, spanning from Kerala specialties to North Indian flavours—while enjoying live musical sets, including a concert by the Kerala band Kanal. 

In his remarks at the inauguration, Pinarayi Vijayan underlined the importance of the Indian diaspora in Oman, noting how cultural celebrations such as this build bridges, promote understanding and strengthen bilateral ties. The festival’s theme this year—“Be Humane, Let Peace Prevail”—echoed this spirit of unity and cultural exchange. 

The scale of the festival was ambitious: organisers estimated more than 50,000 visitors over three days. Alongside cultural performances, the event also featured the Muscat Science Fest—a science exhibition and competition inviting school students from Indian and international schools in Oman to explore environment and AI themes. 

By transforming Amerat Park into a vibrant meeting ground of Indian and Omani cultures, the festival succeeded in offering more than entertainment. It celebrated community, creativity and collaboration, reflecting how the Indian expatriate population contributes to Oman’s social fabric and how cultural diplomacy flourishes in the Gulf region. 

As the festival continues in Spring, organisers hope to build on this year’s momentum—expanding cultural outreach, inviting more local participation, and further cementing the role of such gatherings in bridging communities. The Indian Community Festival in Muscat stands not just as a moment of celebration, but as a vibrant symbol of friendship, heritage and shared future.